This extraordinary video documents a flying fish gliding above the surface of the sea for nearly two minutes. Occasionally it uses its tail for added impetus.
It is possible to imagine a fish gliding like this for longer and longer. However it would still be gliding. Is there any physiological reason that these animals couldn't evolve to flap their 'wings' and even learn to soar?
Another consideration is why this should happen. As I understand it, the behaviour is an adaption for escape from predators. They do not fly in order to catch prey. What prey might they hunt in the air in the ocean?
Questions
Is there any physiological/anatomical dead-end that would prevent flapping/soaring from evolving?
Is there any adaptive reason that flapping/soaring should evolve?