Bonefish
Albula vulpes
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—
Species Profile
Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.
FWC
Size
Up to 18 pounds; rarely more than 10 pounds
Similar species
Ladyfish, E. saurus (mouth terminal, at the very front of head) Size: Up to 18 pounds; rarely more than 10 pounds
Appearance
- Silvery color with a bluish or greenish back
- Slender, round body
- Snout long and overhanging lower jaw
- Dark streaks on upper half of body and faint cross-bands extending down to lateral line
- Extremities of dorsal and caudal fins are shaded with black
Habitat
Inshore fish inhabiting shallow waters often less than one foot deep, usually over lush seagrass flats, but occasionally over white sand
Behavior
Bonefish have deeply forked tails that provide power for chasing prey in lush grass beds. Keen eyesight and a skittish nature make these fish a prized trophy for saltwater anglers. They travel in small schools prowling grass beds and sand flats for shrimp, crabs and other invertebrates. Average size is 3 to 5 pounds but fish weighing more than 10 pounds can be found in Florida. Spawns offshore.
Additional information
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Sources
Image credit: © Diane Rome Peebles