Fish Identification Photos: Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix: The Bluefish is a migratory, pelagic species that travels in large schools that are opportunistic visual daytime predators that consume anchovies, crabs, croakers, mullet, sardines and shrimp. In turn the Bluefish is preyed upon by sharks, swordfishes, tunas and wahoo.

The Bluefish ranges from Nova Scotia to Argentina but is rare in tropical waters. It is are absent from the central and northern Pacific. The Bluefish is found between 10 and 600 feet deep in the water column outside the breaker line and is also a mainstay of pier fishermen.

The Bluefish is a voracious exciting game fish making strong runs and frequent jumps that represents the number-one game fish for recreational anglers in several states. It is considered to be excellent table fare when cooked the same day as caught. Currently more Bluefish are caught by recreational anglers than by commercial fishermen. Historically the Bluefish represented an important commercial fishery in the southern United States until a ban on the use of gill nets was implemented in 1995.

The Bluefish is the sole member of the Pomatomidae Family which are known in Mexico as anjovas. They are dark green to steel blue in color shading to white or silver on the sides and belly. A dark spot is usually present at the base of the pectoral fin. They have oblong, laterally compressed bodies that can reach 4 feet in length. They are normally 1 to 3 pounds in weight but can reach 6 to 7 pounds on occasion. The world record is 31 pounds, 12 ounces. They have large oblique mouths well equipped with sharp teeth. They have two well-separated dorsal fins and forked tails. The anal fin is similar in size and shape to the second dorsal fin. Significantly they have the ability to maintain their body temperature as much as 4 degrees centigrade above ambient water temperatures. They have a life span of about 11 years.

Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix: Caught in December 2006 at Tecolutla on the Atlantic coast of Mexico near Veracruz. Description courtesy of John Snow. Photo courtesy of David Burns, Restaurant El Manglar, Tecolutla.