Lester Johnson, age 11, of Biloxi,  Miss., for his question:

ARE THERE REALLY FLYING FISH?

It is true that certain fish have developed the power of flight because they are able to jump up out of the water. In their efforts to escape from the tuna and shark, these fish leave the water and actually glide for several hundred yards through the air.

The fish has two pairs of fins or "wings" folded against its body as it swims. Then the fore wings, or pectoral fins, are spread out wide. The tail vibrates, giving she force that pushes the fish out of the water. With the momentum thus gained, the fish can stay is the air for periods of time ranging from five seconds to 15 seconds.

When the fish comes back to the water, the fins retract.

Flying fish live in warm waters. One triad, called the Catalina flying fish, is found off the coast of Southern California. It is the largest of the flying fish, sometimes measuring 18 inches. Other flying fish can be found in South America and off both coasts of tropical America.