Bonefish

(Albula vulpes)

 

 

Maturity at: 21 cm in length

Max Published Size: 104 cm and 22 pounds

TnT Record: 12 pounds (unofficial)

TnT Season: Year round

IUCN status: Near threatened

 

General Information: Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and bays, over sand and mud bottoms. Often in schools, except large individuals which are solitary or in pairs. Dorsal fin may show above surface. More or less pelagic but feeds on benthic worms, crustaceans, and mollusks; that are picked from mud and sand bottoms. Tolerates oxygen poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like airbladder. Since bonefish live in shallow inshore water, fishing may be done by wading or from a shallow-draft boat. Bonefishing is mostly done for the sport, so the fish are released since their flesh is very bony, however, they may also be eaten. A typical recipe is a split fish seasoned with pepper sauce and salt, then baked. One of the most important game fishes worldwide.