Family: Pomatomidae, Bluefishes view all from this family

Description To 3'7" (1.1 m); 31 3/4 lbs (14.4 kg). Elongate, compressed; greenish or grayish-blue above, silvery below, median fins yellowish. Head large; mouth large, terminal; teeth prominent, sharp, arranged in single series. First dorsal fin has 7-8 spines, separated from soft dorsal fin by deep notch; anal fin with 2 spines, similar to soft dorsal; caudal fin forked. Scales small, present on head, body, and bases of fins; lateral line complete, straight, follows dorsal profile.

Warning Occasionally a Bluefish will attack a swimmer, causing severe lacerations.

Similar Species Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) has 2 narrow, silvery bands; head flattened; dorsal fin with short, isolated spines. Rainbow Runner (Elagatis bipinnulata) has dorsal and anal finlets. Amberjacks (Seriola spp.) have bands of minute teeth in jaws; caudal peduncle has groove.

Habitat Surface waters, near shore or offshore.

Range From Nova Scotia to Argentina, including Florida and Gulf of Mexico.

Discussion Bluefishes are voracious creatures, often foraging on squids or schools of small fishes. They are reported to feed until their bellies are full, regurgitate, and feed again as long as food is present. Bluefishes are exciting sport fishes and good food if consumed when fresh.