ABSTRACT
The family exocoetidae comprises one of the most unique groups of fishes in the world because of their ability to glide in the air for tens of meters. They are possibly the most abundant and ecologically important fish species in tropical and subtropical oceans linking the lower and upper levels of the food web. Exocoetidae is comprised of eight genera divided into approximately 51 species, and individuals are united by ten synapomorphies. Externally visible characters include a short lower jaw in adults and a premaxilla with a straight anterior margin (Collette et al. 1984; Dasilao et al. 1997; Dasilao & Sasaki 1997). The eight remaining characters pertain to the osteology and musculature of the caudal fin (Dasilao et al. 1997).
