🌊 Saltwater

Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix

The bluefish is one of the most ferocious and hard-fighting game fish in the ocean. Known for feeding frenzies where they slash through schools of baitfish and keep feeding even when full, bluefish are pound-for-pound among the most aggressive fish in saltwater. Highly migratory along the Atlantic Coast, they follow baitfish schools and provide exciting fishing opportunities for shore and boat anglers alike.

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Typical Size
12–36 inches (30–90 cm) typical
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Weight
1–15 lbs (0.45–6.8 kg) typical; record over 31 lbs (14 kg)
⏳
Lifespan
9–14 years
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Water Type
Saltwater

🗺️ Habitat

Coastal and offshore Atlantic Ocean worldwide. In North America, found from Maine to Florida. Highly migratory, following baitfish along the coast.

🔍 How to Identify Bluefish

  • 1Blue-green back with silver sides and white belly
  • 2Large, deeply forked tail
  • 3Sharp, prominent canine teeth — extreme caution when handling!
  • 4Single row of large, sharp teeth in each jaw
  • 5Stout body with blunt head

🍽️ Diet

Menhaden, herring, mackerel, squid, and other schooling fish

💡 Fun Facts About Bluefish

  • ★Bluefish have been observed driving baitfish onto beaches and feeding in mere inches of water
  • ★Their sharp teeth can inflict serious injuries — anglers use long-nosed pliers to remove hooks
  • ★Bluefish feeding frenzies can be smelled before they are seen, from the oily baitfish they kill
  • ★They may travel hundreds of miles in a season following baitfish migrations
  • ★Bluefish are among the few fish that appear to kill for sport, sometimes killing more than they eat

🛡️ Conservation Status

Least Concern — abundant but managed to prevent overfishing

🔗 Related Species

Striped Bass

Identify Bluefish Instantly with AI

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Learn more:

How to Identify Fish: A Beginner's GuideMost Common Freshwater Fish in North America← Back to All Fish Species