Why is barbados called the land of flying fish

It is further estimated that they can travel at speeds approaching 55 kilometres per hour and stay airborne for over 10 seconds at a time. Leaping mainly to avoid large predatory fish, they will ultimately return to the water once their fins become dry. Flying fish are mainly found 8 to 40 km offshore and, as they swim in shoals, they are easily caught in gill nets.

Local fisherman, however, have also been able to use their special knowledge of this species to implement other methods of fishing them.

However if you run into difficulties when cooking it, add more okra water if the cornmeal gets too tough and if it is too soft, allow it to continue cooking until the right texture is reached. Traditionally coucou was served in an oval form. To obtain this shape it was placed in a round enamel bowl or in a calabash shell. Calabash is a large ball shape fruit of a tropical American tree. It has to be eaten while hot, but be cautious because it can burn you.

Breadfruit , yam and green banana which are grown locally in Barbados can also be used to make coucou. Barbados was called the 'land of flying fish' because of the plentiful amount of flying fish found in Barbados' waters and now the flying fish is Barbados' national fish. Its symbol is on our coins, in artwork and is part of the official logo of The Barbados Tourism Authority.

In addition, the Barbados Coat of Arms shows a Pelican and dolphin, with the dolphin representing the flying fish. The flying fish got their name not because they actually fly but that they use their fins to propel themselves when moving through the waters. This is particularly useful when they are trying to get away from predators. The flying fish is one of Barbados' most desirable delicacies.

They swim close to the water's surface and have the ability to reach speeds of approximately mph. Powerful and rapid movements from their tails enable them to break the water's surface and then accelerating to speeds of approximately 40 miles per hour.

With full usage of their large pectoral fins, they are able to glide through the air at seemingly rocket-like speeds to avoid predators such as swordfish, tunas and other large fish. Another possible reason for 'taking flight' could very well be in search of food. In Barbados, flying fish are plentiful between December and June.

There are many ways in which the people of Barbados prepare this Bajan delicacy. Steamed, fried, baked or pickled, you can be rest assured that it will be enjoyed by all. The male sex organs of the flying fish are called melts and the female sex organs are called roes.

In Barbados, these are also seen as delicacies. Fish scaling in Barbados is indeed a sight to behold. Perfection is accomplished as a result of this fine art which involves a great measure of meticulousness coupled with focus and expertise. During the Oistins Fish Festival , the premier event of fish scaling and boning attracts thousands of on-lookers who stand in awe at the expertise exhibited by these craftsmen adn women.

The waters in Tobago have been responsible for the significant amount of flying fish that have been caught by fishermen from Barbados.

This has resulted in ongoing disputes between the two countries.