Tailor, Boston Bluefish,Taylor Blue, Anchoa, Snapper Mackerel, Blue Snapper
Pomatomus saltatrix
Description:
The bluefish has a robust oval-shaped body that tapers to a forked tail. The fish’s upper back appears silver-blue/green and fades to silver near the belly. It has has two distinct dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is small with sharp spines and starts just behind the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin starts at the back half of the body and terminates at the base of the tail. A dark spot may be observed at the base of the pectoral fins. The bluefish has a large terminal mouth with prominent teeth.
Average Maximum Size:
60 cm (23.5 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Adult Bluefish can be distinguished from adult Jack Crevalle by the absence of a dark marking on the border of the operculum and by their caudal fin which is not as deeply forked. The Bluefish has a dark marking at the base of its pectoral fins in contrast to the Jack Crevalle's marking on the lower rays of the pectoral fin.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Bluefish appear similar to adults and lack the vertical bar markings of juvenile Crevalle Jack.
Range:
The fish is found worldwide in tropical to subtropical waters excluding the eastern Pacific and northern Indo-Central Pacific Ocean. They are found in the Western Atlantic along the coasts of Nova Scotia down to Argentina.
Habitat:
Bluefish may be found both inshore and offshore in salt and brackish waters. They prefer clean high-energy waters and are typically found along surf beaches and rocky headlands. May be found near the water’s surface or at mid-water of the water column.
