Compressed silvery blue body that tapers down to a forked tail. Upper back covered in scattered dark spots in adults. Juveniles will not have spots. Short and blunt snout. Singular elongate triangular dorsal fin and lacks pelvic fins. Origin of dorsal and anal fins roughly parallel.
Average Maximum Size:
30.5 cm (12 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Atlantic Butterfish differ from Harvest Fish by their comparatively shorter body and shorter dorsal and anal fins which lack elongated front segments. In contrast to the Atlantic Butterfish, the Florida Pompano's pectoral fins end before the origin of the dorsal and anal fins while the Atlantic Butterfish's pectoral fins overlap with the origins.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Atlantic Butterfish's pectoral fins overlap with its dorsal and anal fin origins while the Florida Pompano's pectoral fins end before the origin of its dorsal and anal fins while the
Range:
Labrador, Ca. to south Florida
Habitat:
Migrate inshore to tidal creeks, rivers, and estuaries during warmer months. Migrate back out offshore during colder months.
