Some basic facts about Bluefish
Class: ray-finned fishes, spiny rayed fishes
Order: perch-like fishes
Family: bluefishes
Length: 4 feet
Weight: 25 pounds
Diet: fish, notably mackerel, herring, and menhaden
Number of Eggs: unknown
Home: warm and temperate waters
The bluefish fears only one predator: humans. In the United States alone, commercial fishermen catch 4 million pounds of bluefish a year. According to one count, sports fishermen catch ten times that amount! This fish is loved for its delicious taste. It also puts up an exciting fight before it is reeled in. Years ago, fishermen told tales of catching bluefish weighing 50 pounds. Today, however, the largest are about half that size.
The bluefish may actually appear silvery colored. It has a bluish or greenish back and black splotches at the base of each pectoral fin. It migrates, roaming from Florida to Maine in the warm months. It spends most of the year in tropical and subtropical waters. It was originally found only around the Americas. But in the past 50 years it has become common off the coast of France.
Bluefish lay their eggs (spawn) during summer. Their eggs hatch within two days. The young grow fast. They reach about 16 inches in their first year. These young fish inherit the big appetites of their parents. They are called snappers for good reason. They feed on smaller prey near the shore.
