Fish Identification Photos: Pacific Bumperfish, Chloroscombrus orqueta: The Pacific Bumperfish has a strongly compressed, ovate body with convex upper and lower profiles. It is metallic blue on top with silver sides.

The Pacific Bumperfish has two distinguishing black spots, one at the top of the gill cover, and the other at the base of the tail.

There are no finlets after the anal and dorsal fins of the Pacific Bumperfish, and very weak scutes are present at the tail base. It has long anal and second dorsal fin bases and long pectoral fins. The caudal and pectoral fins are yellow.

Most of the Pacific Bumperfish's body is covered with small scales.

The Pacific Bumperfish is most likely confused with the Bigeye Scad (Caballito), Selar crumenophthalmus (elongated body).

Pacific Bumperfish are found in the first 150 feet of the water column, forming schools in shallow coastal waters. It will also enter estuaries. It reaches a length of 12 inches. Due to its rarity the Pacific Bumperfish is deemed to be of limited value. It is a pelagic species found in all Mexican waters.

The Pacific Bumperfish is a member of the Carangidae or Jack Family known in Mexico as jureles and pámpanos.

Pacific Bumperfish, Chloroscombrus orqueta: A rare species that showed up with the purchase of a “scoop of bait” in June 2007 at La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Caught in the surf zone, early morning, in water 5 to 10 feet deep, utilizing a cast net by panguero bait salesmen. Size approximately 9 inches. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.