Atlantic Lookdown, Lookdown Moonfish, Hairfinned Dory, Horsehead, Dollarfish, Moonfish Jack
Selene vomer
Description:
Deep and extremely compressed body that rapidly tapers to a forked tail. Sharply sloped head. Body silver-blue and iiridescent in appearance with yellow tinge on fins. Small pelvic fins; second dorsal and anal fin have elongated front filaments. Juveniles may exhibit a dark band starting at the eye and extending to the back and yellow-gold barring on their body; front dorsal spine and rays on pelvic fin also elongated
Average Maximum Size:
30.5 cm (12 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Lookdown has elongated second dorsal and anal fin lobes which are not present on the Atlantic Moonfish.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Lookdown can be distinguished from juvenile Atlantic Moonfish by the presence of vertical body stripes and elongated first dorsal spines which will disappear in adulthood. Juvenile Atlantic Moonfish have a dark circular marking located at the rear half of the body over the lateral line which is not present on juvenile Lookdown.
Range:
Maine to Uruguay
Habitat:
Shallow coastal waters over hard or sandy bottoms. Juveniles found in estuaries and off beaches.
