NOAA Technical Report NMFS Circular 435 

Field Guide to Fishes 

Commonly Taken in Longline 

Operations in the Western 

North Atlantic Ocean 

Joseph L. Russo 

January 1981 
NOAA TECHNICAL REPORTS 

National Marine Fisheries Service, Circulars 

The major re,pon,ibilllle, of the :--<atlOnal \1arane F"herae. SNVI(,~ C '.\1FS) /He to monitor and a e the ahundan I' and I(Poll:r

dlstrabution of fishery resources. to understand and predict nUtt uat IOns In t hI' qllant ltv lind dlstnhut IOn of t helle r ,ur e and t'· t tah, hi

for optimum use of the resourre, :'Ii\,fFS IS ai,,, rhar~~d with the d"velopment ond Impl,·mentatJ(." of p',IICle fr,r manaj(lOjI: n It'mal (I 

grounds, development and enforeement of d"m~stlc f1shHI{'S regulat If HI surveillanre of I'>felgn II hanl( "II l nil. d Male coa tal wuHr n

development and enforcement of IIlternatH>nal fishery agreements end poliCIes '!l.H ~ III." 0 I I the fl hang andu Irv Ihrough markttlnll e

and economic analy,," programs, and mort~age Insurance and yes. el c'm trurll"n ubRldl'" It ,(,lien analvze rod I'ubll h '! It 

varaou, phase' of the Indu,trv 

The NOAA Terhnical Report ,\,IFS ('lCrular senes ('ontlnues a senes that ha b"en Jr, UI tenrt' IOce I'H: fh .. (Ir( lar Ort tech

publicatIOns of I(eneral Intere,t Intendt'd to Bid conservatIOn and management PuhllcotlOn 'hat rf,\I~W an ",n Idrrable detsl and al a 

technical level certain broad areas "I r~,eurrh appear In t h" senes. TechOieal papers orlglnat In' In r', (,nom I tlldl(, nnll fr'lm m nal(l."mr

vestil(ati(lns appear in the Cirrular senes 

'\iOAA Technical Repllrt :--<\1FS Circulars are IIvaJiable Iree 10 limited nurntJf'r~ t(, gOH'rnmentlJ: agen, , hoth hder I and tatl' fhf

also available in exchanl(e for lither <nentlfi .. and technical pu 81 rop e /fi8' be ,,1;!8nt,d fu

l ilcat",ns 10 th,· m8nnr (len" Inll",,j 

otherWise noted I from D82~ , l ser Sen'll'es Branch, EnVironmental SClenlc Inf'!Tma!,'JO ("ater ()AA Iw kVllJe HJ.!()8.5L Rectot 

culars are . 

396 Whales. dolphins, and porpOises of the western North AtlantiC A 

guIde to their Identification By Stephen Leatherwood, Uavi j K ('aid 

well, an t :ioward ~. Winn , August 19,6, iv T I-t' p .. HiS fil/s , I table, 

14 app . fi~s For sale by the Supenntendent of Doc'1ment". L'.S (.overnment Pnnllng Ofliee, \\ashlOgton, DC 20402, StOCk No. OOJ 0'20 

00119-0 

397 l\lanne flora and fauna uf the n(mheastern l lOlted St81e~ . 

Cnidana Sc~·phozoa. By Ronald J . Larson August 1::l7b. III t 18 p., 

28 figs. For sale by the ::'uperlOtendent l'l .)ocument.s, l, , Govern 

ment Pr'nting Office, \\ ashington, DC' !::u40:2; :--<c, 003-017-

00387 

398. ~!anne flora and fauna of the northeastern Uruled States Higher 

fungi Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes. and Basldlomycete" By A R 

Cavahere \,larch 19-- IIi + 49 P,. 24 figs For sale by the ::,uper 

intendent of Documents, L. S. Government Pnntlng Off'('e. Washington, 

DC 20402 Stock :\0 003-020·00126-2. 

399. Marine flora and fauna 01 the northeabtern L"Olted State. 

Copepoda HarpactlcOlda, By Bruce C Coull March 1977, ill + 48 p ., 

100 figs. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, li S, Govern· 

ment Printing Office, \Vashington, DC 20402~ Stock ~o, 003-020-OU125-

4. 

400. Fishery publicatIOn Index. 196.~-j'4. By :-'lary Ellen Engel! and 

Lee C , Thorson, March 1977, IiI + 220 p. For sale by the Super. 

Intendent of Documents. U.S. Government Printing Omce, Washington, 

DC 20402; Stock :-:;1), 003-020-001271. 

401. Fisheries and tiqhery resources of )iew York Bight By J L. 

McHugh March 1977, \' + 50 p., 43 figs., 49 tables. For sale by the 

Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; Stock No. 003-020-00129-7. 

402. Guide to the identification of scorpionfish larvae (Family Scorpaenidae) in the eastern Pacific with comparative notes on species of 

Sebastes and Helicolenus from other oceans. By H. Geoffrey Moser, 

Elbert H. Ahlstrom, and Elaine M, Sandknop, April 1977, v + 71 p., 40 

figs., 38 tables. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U,S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; Stock No. 003-020· 

00128-9. 

403. Marine flora and fauna of the northeastern United States. Sipuncula. By Edward B. Cutler. July 1977, iii + 7 p., 6 figs. For sale by 

the Superintendent of Doc~ments, U.S. Government Printing Office, 

Washington, DC 20402; Stock No. 003-012-00404-0. 

404. Revision of the sea basses of the genus Dlplectrum (Pisces: Serranidae). By Stephen A, Bortone. September 1977, v + 49 p., 15 figs., 

9 tables. 

405. Marine flora and fauna of the northeastern United States. Echinoernment Pnntmg Office \\ a hmgton D( 204Ir... LOci! 0, 

00404, 

flora and fa na of 

~errber Ir' II + 441' 2 f 

tern'rute

\\ 

\\. Ie 

4lJ L')llectlOn d tuna bal' • h papenl .20 popel'll J By Ric 

.... homura edlt,)r, December I 77. I I ~ . '; p 

409 !l.lanne flora and taulla f Ihe nc,nheaslem lnited 

Copepoda (~clop(Old8 par88II,< on fi h B) Iu hey Ho r 19i~. III + :t p, 17 figs 

411l !'he 1976 ttratl .. m tr:p bloom to the 

and cvnsequences B) fhomas ( Malone 

Ii 0:5 I table 

ew Y,,1t B.ght 

May 19'; , " + 1 

~ll ::'~'Stematl<s and tHolog) of the tller; hes (Perctlormea. B

'tel(ldae and !\1alacanth,dael. "'Ith d nptloo of t""O new pec •

Jame, K Dooley Aprll.97. \ + 7 p 44 figs , 16 tables 

412 Synopsls of blol"g1~ai data on the red porgy Pa~ fJ08 

naeus) By Charle. '. lanooch m and \\,tham W, Hassler 

1978, IIi T 19 p., 12 IlI(S , i tables For 8ale b) the upennle 

Document" US. Government Pnntlng Office Wuhmgton. DC 

Stock :--<0. OO:3-LlI7 -00418-0, 

411. :-'Ianne flora and fauna of the northe88lern l'mted 

Crustacea: BranchlUla. By Roger F ( ressey ~lay 1978, III + 

figs. For sale by the Supenntendent of Documents, L'S, Gov 

Printing Office, Washington, DC 20-102. Su,ek '0 003-01/-004 

414, SynopsIs of biological data for the wmter flounder. Pseud 

nectes americanu.s (Walbaum) By Grace Kleln-~lacPhee. ~ 

1978, ill + 43 p .. 21 figs., 28 tables. 

415 A basis for classifying western AtlantiC Sc.aeoidae (T 

Perciformes). By Labbish :'Iiing Chao. September 1978, v + 

figs., 1 table. 

416. Ocean variability: Effects on U.S, marine fishery 

1975. (20 papers.) By Julien R Goulet, Jr. and Elizabeth D. 

Editors. December 1978, iii + 350 p. 

417. Guide to the identification of genera of the fish 

o hidiiformes with a tentative classification of the order B D 
NOAA Technical Report FS Circular 35 

Field Guide to Fishes 

Commonly Taken in Longline 

Operations in the Western 

North Atlantic Ocean 

Joseph L. Russo 

January 1981 

ERCE 
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) does not approve, recommend or endorse any proprietary product or proprietary material 

mentioned in this publication. No reference shall be made to NMFS, or 

to this publication furnished by NMFS, in any advertising or sales promotion which would indicate or imply that NMFS approves, recommends 

or endorses any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned 

herein, or which has as its purpose an intent to cause directly or indirectly 

the advertised product to be used or purchased because of this NMFS 

publication. 
( a(( harO/lolI 

f IIrll {Wllell\ 

f (11/111(1 11(1 Ii 

"rWIIII< I' ~fu/I(u 

'>flh I nru II' "'/11/ 

)llh I'r/lU' RtJt'IIU 

I dlH;ct II he 

... 11t ·{1L\uII" ~ /lrl'vlr,,\ffL5 I I It III (1/"11 fer" \ 

Opah 

I'olllirci 

f/r(lI/lU hrulllu .. 

IUWI ff( hfh I"r/llllg/IIIII/III 

()olrhlll ..... .. 

( 'If P/rUI IIU ("jlll .. /r • 

( II! 1!,/rUI IIU hll'flllrlll . . 

Balla IIJa 

\"h I,,,,'na hurruc/lc/u . 

J KI.: 

( (Iral/\ ,{\ 10\ 

I la1:(lfll /llf/IIIII/duru 

~I'"ola tllIlI1t'rrlt . 

St'rtolu fll'II/IU"1I 

Sna\.;c 111.1 I.: It:! 

[ '1'ItlO' I"hllllll jlul"o/lrtlflll' 11111 

NII\ ,'((11 Ilr. fl011i 

lun,1 IIlJ 1ll.1<.\.;crclll\.;C II he , 1, VI/firo. 11)//11/1 lo/and" 

Iliu "it hel • . 

AliI/I f"i1~ord 

I IIfh \1/11111 a/It If, rOf//1 

huf /1" O/jll prll/III'S 

Surd,/ \ur fa 

S oml mlT/oru I>r Illt/lill 

'i, /lib, rot IOrti ,a \ alia 

S, om/)(' 

II 

12 

I. 

\1 

1 

.. I 

21 
.111d \1PI\ 

uid to i h 

~ll"'Otion · in th 

ommonl 

t m orth 

J() I I 1-:1 I 

\K I H \( I 

IIUHU ( 110 

(I Ig ~) PI .Ir ~ J 1.1111 d 111 t h I I I h 

n in I on lin 

tl ntic ( n 
pec t o r a l 

f in 

1st dorsal fin 

( spines) 

1 2nd dorsal fin 

(soft rays) 

int erspace j 1 

~~==- ---

d e pth 

anal fin 

cauda l keels 

dor sal finlets 

anal fin lets 

caudal fin 

pelvi c f i n cors elet 

Sta ndard lengt h( SL )------------------------~ 

~------------------------------------------ Fo k length FL ------------------------------~ 

L-_________________________________________ Total le gth TL ------------------------------------~ 

Figure 2.-Characters and structures used to identify bony fishes. 

SHARKS 

Sharks can be distinguished from all other groups of fishes by the combination of 5-7 pairs of lateral gill clefts 

and having the edges of the pectoral fins not attached to the sides of the head anterior to the gill openings. 

Three families of sharks are commonly taken on longlines in the western Atlantic. They are represented by five 

genera. For simplification, sharks of the genus Carcharhinus are identified only to genus. 

.j>. 

KEY TO THE SHARK S COVERED I N THIS GU IDE 

d 

Pectoral fin short, lenQth much ~ess 

than distance from tip of snout to 

pectoral fin oriqin. 

1----- Keels oresent on caudal peduncle. 

Keels absent from caudal peduncle 

A 

Pectoral fin 10no, lenoth about 

eoual to distance from tip of 

snout to pectoral fin oriqin. 

L-~ 

Teeth with smooth margin. Teeth witfJ serratf' margin. 

isurus paucus 

Longfin mako 

(yes with nictlla~ing membrane; 5th gill opening behind origin 

of Dectoral fins. 

8 

I 

Eye without nictitating membrane; 

5th gi 11 opening in front of 

origin of pectoral fins. 

r------ ~:~;e!~~~~nic.al, only moderately 

Head qreatly depressed dorsoventrally. L _____ eyes and nostrils extended latprally 

from mid-line on "halTfl1er" or "bonnet. 

Anterior marQin of head scalloped. 

concave at mid-l ine. 

~ ~ 

G= Sphyr". Scallooed le~;::;"rhe'd ( 

Carcharhinus spp. 

Requium shark!. 

Midpoint of first dorsal fin ~ ___ (at its base) nearer to pectoral 

axil than to oriQin of pelvic fin. 

Midpoint of first dorsal fin (at its base) is considerably 

nearer to the ori Qi n of the pelvic fins than to the axil 

of the pectoral fins . 

Prionace Qlauca Blue shar-k--

Anterior margin of head rounded, 

convex at mid-line. 

~ 

8= Sphyrna 

Smooth harrrnerhead 

~ 
I 

( 

---

II I{cqul m har 

III (KII'II\ I (IIA\{ \l II K 1\ 

.lUd 

l ( 11 ()I{ \ n •• hlc d pcndlll 011 

,llIte lip 

/ Ilnl\ pp 

( ure lIar/1II11I I 

I hr I d r I fill ( 
Carcharodon carcharias (Unnaeus) 

COMMON NAM. \0\ hite ,hark. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHAR T RS l30dy elong,lIe and round d In lr 

depressed, teeth un1cu~pid and ,errale; onglll 01 first oral fin not" bl 

fin; midpoint of first dorsal lin (at ItS ba~e) cun Iderabl) nearer to 

pectoral fin length moderate, much Ie, than dl tJnce I rom liP 01 n 

front of pectoral fin; caudal peduncle \I, ith a ~lllgle mldlaleral eel 

COLOR: Back and upper Ide, gra~. bell) \\ hlle, III )oung PC\.lIll n Ihere m be 

and at tip of pectoral fins. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SI\IIl AR <;Pl( I 

III 

POI III ~I ra 11 

Careharhinus spp. caudal pcdunde \I, IlhOUI keel ( audal Ilh dl lin I midi I III ( ~afL hana~). 

fifth gill opening above and po~terior to ongin of pectoral III ( nten • to on n I r lor 11m In ( tare/JUrI ) 

lsurus oxyrmchus' edges of teeth mooth (serrate In C canhtlrw5) 

lsurus paucus: edges of teeth smooth (serralc III C. lurchufltlS). pCltoral fill Ion. I n II d. I n e 

from tip of snout to peeloral fin origlll (much Ie than d. tan e rrom liP of noul I peet ral fill n r1 In ( 

careharias). 

Galeocerdo CUYler. eye \l,ith nil:tllating membrane (membrane ab enl III WfL htlntl5), Ifth gill penln abo\e 

and behmd origin of pectoral fin (in front of origlll of peLloral fin III ( car huna ) 

SIZE: To II m TL; common to 5.5 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION World\\ide in tropkal and \l,arm temper te cas In the \\c tern \tlanuc 1\ 

occurs as far north as e\\ England. along the ea~t (oast 01 the Lnitcd tat<. and through ut the \\e t In ICS to 

northern South America and Brazil 

Galeocerdo cuvier (peron and Lesueur) 

\ t((( "'., 

6 
III 10 II ~ m II. mmon 104 OJ 

(,J ()td{ \I'ItJ( 1>1\1 IIi! 110 \\ rld"ld III trOpl I nd u u 

.Ilh I. r II rlh a c\\) or 011 II' Ihc ca I \,. a I or thl: l nlted t! 

outh 10 Bralll 

IsuTU.\ Ol- 'rmchus R lin ue 

-- -- -

II rtlll III 
Prionace glauca: teeth serrate (nonserrate in I. oxynnchus); pectoral fin long, length almmt equal to di~tance tram 

tip of snout to pectoral fin origin (pectoral fin short, length much less than distance from tiP of ~nout to pn;toral 

fin origin in I. oxyrinchus); caudal peduncle without keel (midlateral and secondary keeb pre~ent In I . oxyrmchul). 

Sphyrna spp.: head greatly depressed dorsoventrally, eyes and nostrils extend~d laterally from midline on 

"hammer" or "bonnet" (head subconical, only moderately depressed In I. oxynnchul) 

Carcharhinus spp.: teeth of upper jaw serrate (teeth of both jaws non~errate In I. oxynnchu.5); caudal peduncle 

without keels (caudal peduncle with distinct midlateral keel 10 I . o).yrinchus). 

Carcharodon carcharias: teeth of both jaws serrate (edges of teeth smooth in I. oxynllchul) ~ 

Galeocerdo cuvier: teeth broad with serrate edges (teeth long, narrow, and smooth In 1 o.nrmchuI); ongln olllr.st 

dorsal fin above or just posterior to pectoral axil (noticeably posterior to pectoral axil In I . (J"(ynllchus); Ilfth gill 

opening above and posterior to pectoral fin origm (anterior to pectoral fin origm in I. oxyrmchU5). 

Isurus paucus: pectoral fins long, about equal in length to the distance from the tip of the snout to the origin 01 

the pectoral fin (much shorter than the distance from the tip of the snout to the ongm 01 the pectoral fin 10 1 

oxyrinchus). 

SIZE: To 4.0 m TL; common to 2.7 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Found throughout the ",estern Atlantic in tropical and subtropical \\ater\ 

from the Gulf of Maine to Brazil. 

lsurus paucus Guitart 

IP.i\ . ~ 

COMMON NAME: Longfm mako. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and rounded in cross section; head subconi.:al, snout poimed; 

teeth unicuspid, nonserrate; origin of first dorsal fin posterior to inner corner (axil) of pectoral lms; pectoral fim 

long, length about equal to the distance from tip of snout to pectoral fin origm; fifth gill open 109 anterior to pectoral fin origin; caudal peduncle with single midlateral keel on each side. 

COLOR: Back and upper sides blue to gray black with a gradual transition to shades of \\ hite on belly. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Other species of sharks: may be separated from other species of sharks except Priollace giallca and some specie of 

Carch arh in us by the great length of the pectoral fins, about equal in length to distance from tip of snout to origin 

of pectoral fin. Other species of sharks, except P. glauca and some species of Carcharhiflus, ha\e a short pectoral 

fin, its length much less than distance from tip of snout to origin of pectoral fin. I surus pauCLIS may be separated 

from P. glauca and species of Carcharh in us, which have long pectoral fins. because its teeth have smooth 

margins, not serrate as in P. glauca and Carcharhinus spp. 

SIZE: To 2.5 m TL; common to 2 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Apparently a worldwide oceanic species, recorded from the western Atlantic 

from Cuba and Florida. 

8 
- ------

lorl a Ie 

IJI (11I'11\llIl\\{(IIK 

or 

ul 

.11 ~.lUd 

( ()j ( II 11.1 

lomna na.su. ( nnaterre) 

- _/ 

II (h cI 1\ 'ale and round d In r 

n Ihe I \\er 

Ill.., I I (J l I III (,{ I I \ I \l I 1\{( JI 

1/1 , m II. mIn n I ~ III 

.I ( l J ( .H. 1m •• 

lau (Ian eu) 
lIE 

lJ[ 

f 

I 

r 4 m n. mm n I 

PHI( DI TRIBL TI 

ern \ltanH 

I I 

-

m 

hI b U 011 n Ihe IU 10 \\ hll on b II~; lip of pldL)r.ll 

THl REA 

nd 

m poillan pecle r und 10 lemperal . Ir P,II, .1'1 I ubtrl>PI.:.11 ".IIt'r'. 

tI 1 Bralli. db nI lrom IPe lJ III 01 \le ,,o anJ Ihe t a r lbbe.1Il St',1, 

Sphyrna lewlnl (Griffith and mllh) 

I 

/ 

--------

fin IIh 
m TI. mm n I m 

.$ph rna ~ a no (Lm eu) 

~ 

( 

It mOl Ih h mmcrh • d 

III t}{ I P11 \ I 
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF LANCETFISHES OCCURRING IN THE AREA 

I 

First dorsa l fin originates at a point 

anterior to the posterior margin of the 

qill openinq; snout 40% or less of head 

i ength. 

Alepisaurus brevirostris 

Shortnose lancetfish 

I 

First dorsal fin oriqinates at a point 

above the posterior margin of the qill 

openinq; snout more than 40~ of head 

lenqth. 

Alppisauru~ ·pro;, Lonqnos~ lancetf1s~ 

LANCETFlSHES 

Fishes of the family Aleplsaufldae are commonly referred to a, lancetrishes. They Lan be UI • ngul hcd trom other 

groups of fishes which are commonly taken by longline in the area by the follo\\ Ing LOlllbllldtion ul ~hardcter~ Irst 

dorsal fin high and saillike, second dorsal (adipose) fin \\ ithout ,pines or ray ; ~nout p01llteu but not dra .... n out mto 

a long projection as in the bill fishes; teeth large and daggerlike. 

Two species of the genus A/ep/Saurus are found 111 the \\estern Atlantic. Additional IIlfOrmdtiOn rcgard1llg thl; 

Alepisauridae in the western AtlantIc IS contained in Gibbs and \\ iiImo\ sk} (1966) dnd 1 ' cher (l'F ) 

Alepisaurus brevirostris Gibbs 

COMMON NAME: Shortnose lancetfish. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body slender, only slightly compressed. Head length 16070 or less SL (standard 

length); snout <40% HL (head length). Two dorsal fins: the first .... ith 40-48 rays, convex margin, onginates 

anterior to the posterior margin of the gill opening and extends to the region above the anal fin; the second in the 

form of an adipose fin, without rays or spines. Pelvic fins originate near middle of body. Pectoral fins long, slightl} 

longer than head . Usually two pair of strong canine teeth inside an outer row of smaller and numerous upper ja\\ 

teeth; teeth of lower jaw variable in size and in a single row. 

COLOR: Back metallic blue to black, sides silvery gray with blue-green hue, abdomen may appear striped; dorsal 

fin metallic blue black often with a horizontal row of white spots on its membrane; caudal and anal fins black, anal 

fin edged in white; pectoral and pelvic fins blue black above and silvery below. 

12 
III Ie) til I. TIl 

rid 

Iud 11 rmud 

Alp e 

II 
OPAH 

Lampris guttatus, the opah, the only member of the family Lampridae, can be distinguished from other fis hes in 

the area because of its very deep body. Its maximum depth is > 50070 SL. The only other deep-bodied species occurring in the area is Mala mala, the ocean sunfish. Mala mala is seldom taken on longline and is easily distinguished 

from L. guttatus because it lacks pelvic fins and a forked caudal fin . For more information on L. guttatus see 

Gudger (1930), McKenzie and Tibbo (1963), and Fischer (1978). 

Lampris guttatus (Briinnich) 

COMMON NAME: Opah. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A large, deep, compressed, oval-shaped species, maximum depth > 50% 

SL. Mouth small and toothless. Dorsal and anal fins long and single, retractable into deep grooves; the dorsal 

falcate (sickle-shaped), anterior margin very high, originates posterior to the head; anterior anal rays not notably 

longer than middle or posterior rays; pectoral fins large and falcate; pelvic fins long, their length greater than 

twice as long as longest anal rays, and comprised of from 14 to 17 rays. Body covered with small smooth scales. 

COLOR: Back steel blue to olive green; upper sides bluish or green with a purple luster, lower sides and belly red; 

fins bright red; entire body covered with small round silvery spots. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS· OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Species of Bramidae: pelvic fins much shorter or at most as long as longest anal ray (noticeably more than twice as 

long as longest anal ray in L. gutlatus); pelvic fin usually with I spine and 5 soft rays (14-17 rays in L. guttatus). 

Anal fin falcate, anterior rays noticeably longer than middle and posterior rays. No spots on body, and fins not 

bnght red (spots and red fins present in L. gutlatus). 

SIZE: To 185 cm SL; common to 120 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. In the western Atlantic, froIfl 

Nev.foundland south, along Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida and the Caribbean Sea. 

14 
, 

• 

PO 11 RI I 

Brama brama (8 nn terre 

If 1 nl 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Lampris guttatus: pelvic fins noticeably more than twice as long as longest anal ray (equal to or less than length of 

longest anal ray in adult specimens of B. brama); pelvic fins comprised of 14 17 rays (I spine and 5 rays in B. 

brama); anterior anal rays not noticeably longer than middle and posterior rays (anal fin falcate with antenor rays 

longer than middle or posterior rays in B. brama); body covered with fine smooth scales (scales relatively large in 

B. brama). Body covered with silver spots and fins red (body silver black and fins black in B brama). 

Taractichthys longipinnis: scales on caudal peduncle abruptly larger than those on base of caudal fm rays (!;radually become smaller as they progress from the caudal peduncle onto the bases of the mldcaudal rays m B. brama)' 

anal fin long, longest anterior rays greater than twice the length of the pelvic fin in adult specimens (antcnor anal 

rays as long as or at most twice as long as pelvic fin in B. brama). 

SIZE: To 66 cm TL; common to 50 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Reportedly a worldvide tropical and temperate species, found in the western 

Atlantic from Nova Scotia south to Florida through the Caribbean Sea to northern Brazil. 

Taractichthys /ongipinnis (Lowe) 

COMMON NAME: Bigscale pomfret. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A large, deep-bodied, compressed, oval-shaped species. Dorsal and anal fins 

long, single, and falcate, anterior rays notably longer than middle and posterior rays. OrIgm of dorsal fin 

posterior to head. Pelvic fins comprised of 1 spine and 5 soft rays, relatively short when compared with anal fin 

height, less than one-half the length of longest anal rays. Body covered with large scales which extend Onto dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Scales on caudal peduncle abruptly larger than those on base of caudal fin. 

COLOR: Body black to silvery black, tips of pelvic and pectoral fins white, posterior edge of caudal fin white. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Brama brama: scales on caudal peduncle gradually become smaller as they progress from caudal peduncle onto 

bases of mid caudal rays (abruptly larger than those on base of caudal fin rays in T longipinnis); anal fin short, 

longest anterior rays as long as or at most twice as long as pelvic fins in adults (anal fin long, longest anterior rays 

greater than twice as long as pelvic fin in adult specimens of T longipinnis). 

Lampris guttatus: pelvic fins noticeably more than twice as long as longest anal ray (less than one-half length of 

longest anal rays in adult specimens of T longipinnis); pelvic fins comprised of 14- 17 rays (1 spine and 5 rays in T 

longipinnis); anterior anal rays not noticeably longer than middle and posterior rays (anal fin falcate with ante'rior 

rays longer than middle or posterior rays in T longipinnis); body covered with fine smooth scales (scales relatively 

large in T longipinnis). Body covered with silver spots and fins bright red (body silver black and fins black in T 

longipinnis). 

16 
1)01 PilI 

or 'JJhut'flu t'l/u ellS 11 n eus 

----...;;::,..;"---. -----------
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: , . 

. . 6 2 59' C . I' )' atest body depth <25!IJ0 SL (> 25070 SL In Coryphaena hlppurus: dorsal fin rays 58-6 (5 - In . equise IS , gre 

C. equiselis), 

SIZE: To 75 cm FL (fork length); common to 50 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A worldwide species found in most tropical seas. Found in the western All,antic off the east coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the east coast of South America. 

Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus 

COMMON NAME: Common doiphin. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and greatly compressed, greatest body depth < 2511'0 SL. Young 

fish (to 30 cm) have a slightly convex head profile, while in large males ( > 30 cm) the head profile become greatly 

convex and the snout profile becomes almost vertical. Dorsal fin single, comprised of 58-66 rays, extending from 

above eye almost to caudal fin. Anal fin with concave margin extends from anus almost to caudal fin. Tooth patch 

on tongue small and oval. 

COLOR: Back metallic blue to green in life, rapidly fading to gray with green tinge after death; flanks ihery 

gold, rows of dark spots or golden blotches, unning below dorsal fin and on sides; dorsal fin black; anal fin black 

with white margin; caudal fin silvery gold, 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRI G I THE AREA. 

Coryphaena equiselis: dorsal fin rays 52-59 (58-66 in C. hippurus); a broad quadrangular tooth patch on tongue 

(small and oval in C. hippurus); greatest body depth > 25!IJ0 SL ( <25<170 SL in C. hippurus). 

SIZE: To 200 cm FL; common to 100 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A worldwide species found in tropical and subtropical seas, Found in the 

western Atlantic, off the east coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the east coast of 

South America. 

BARRACUDA 

Sphyraena barracuda, the great barracuda, is relatively common throughout the area. Large individuals are 

associated with coastal and offshore waters. The barracudas (family Sphyraenidae) can be distinguished from other 

families in the area because of its elongate body and strong sharp teeth. Barracudas differ from the lancetfishes 

(Alepisauridae) in lacking the enlarged saillike first dorsal fin and in having a rayed (as opposed to rayless adipose) 

second dorsal fin. It is easily distinguished from the scombrids, gempylids, and carangids because the second dorsal 

fin terminates well in advance of the caudal fin. 

Two other species of Sphyraena (S. picudilla and S. guachancho) are found in the western Atlantic. For more 

information regarding the identification of Sphyraenidae see Fischer (1978). 

18 
Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum) 

COMMON NAME: Great barracuda. 

DESCR IPTIV CHARACTERS: Body elongate and slightly compressed. Teeth pointed and ~harp. ~anabk In 

size. Lower jaw extending beyond tip of upper jaw. Two dorsal fins separated by a large inter~pace. Di tance b -

tween last ray in second dorsal fin and origin of caudal fin much greater than base of ~e<:ond dcrsal fin . 

COLOR: Back deep green to gray gradually changing through silver gray and becoming white on the belly. ~e\eral 

dark blotches present on posterior side, tending to concentrate on the lower side. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRI G I THE AREA: 

pecies of Scombridae: caudal keels present (absent in S. barracuda); 5 or more dorsal and anal fInlet pre cnl 

(finlets absent in S. barracuda). 

pecie of Gempylidae and Carangidae: two dorsal fins separated by a small Interspace or contauing eaLh Qlhcr 

(inter pace at least twice as long as ba e of first dorsal fin in S. barracuda); distance bet\\een la t raj In eecnd 

dorsal fin and origin of caudal fin much less than base of second dorsal fin (much greater than ba e of cond 

dorsal fin in S. barracuda). 

SIZE: To 200 cm; common to 130 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: An Atlantic, Indian Ocean. and \\estern Pacific spe ies; common In the 

western Atlantic. e.xtending a far north as ew England and throughout the Gulf of ~k·dCO. the Anlllle • and Bcrmuda to southern Brazil. 

JACK 

Fishes of the famll) arangldae are common I) referred to :L Jac s The e fi h d 

temperate waters throughout the '\orld. umerou, speCies are Ii hed commeru Ih. f ur \tl nil 

Included in this gUide. In general bod} .hape the, are m1llar to combnd nd gemp}l.Jd 

scombrid, in that the) generall) lac" well-de\eloped dorQI and anal finkt . Tho r ngJd 

anal finleL u uall) ha\ e from 3 to c doral em pme as oppo <d to 9-2~ III 

The 'arangld, in the area are easil) . eparated from the gemp lId III that the It th 111 th up 

smgle r)w or a patch of fine teeth. On the other hand. lhe gemp)hd haH 2 ro oft th pr 

the \ccond being formed of 3 or ~ teeth t the anterior end of the up r J \\ 

\ \an) other .pccle of carangld. occur wllhlll the we tern tl nil . F r m re 1Il~ rmall n F hCT 1 

II} 
IV 

o 

Dorsal and anal fins 

followed by a si ngle 

finlet. 

Elagatis bipinnulata 

Ra i nbow runner 

Scutes absent on caudal peduncle 

Maximum body depth le,' 

than one thIrd forf lenqt~. 

~ 

~'- ~ ~-:..-

)e rio 1 d j umn i 11 

Gredter A1l1bpr]a. f 

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JACKS COVERED IN THIS GUI~E 

No finlets present after 

dorsal and anal fin~ 

Scutes present on caudal peduncle 

(anfl'. c ry<;C'<; 

lui' Y"nne'" 

··~d' r".lIT tCl' dE .th lit! 

ttldl Inl ttlll'C + }rk "m,t 

- .-, 

, ~'-,~~.~ 

~W'~' ''--
Caranx crysos (Mitchill) 

COMMON NAME: Blue runner. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and moderately compressed. Jaw teeth small, In a single ro .... or 

narrow band . Adipose (fatty) eyelid present. Dorsal fin divided into 2 pans: first comprised of 8 spine~; ~econd 

comprised of I spine and 22-25 soft rays. Distance between last ray of dorsal fin and origin of caudal fin less than 

base of second part of dorsal fin. Posterior sides of body with a row of scutes (bony keeled scalelike structures) 

extending to the caudal fin. Pectoral fin long and falcate, extending to a point above the anal fin. 

COLOR: Back brown to olive green, turning lighter on the sides and belly; fins dusky to dark and may have light 

or white margins. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

E/agatis bipinnu/ata: dorsal and anal fins followed by a single finlet (no finlets present in C. crysos); pectoral fin 

short, not extending to anal fin (long, extending to a point above anal fin in C. crysos); caudal scutes absent (pre~­

ent in C. crysos). 

Species of Serio/a: pectoral fin short, not extending to anal fin (long, extending to a pOint above andl fin in C. 

crysos); caudal scutes absent (present in C. crysos); distinct groove on dorsal and ventral surface of caudal peduncle (grooves absent in C. crysos). 

SIZE: To I m; common to 50 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scolla south throughout the: ult 

of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, through the Antille and Bermuda south along .he east coa>t of South ·\mcnca (0 

Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

Elagatis bipinnulata (Quoy and Gaimard) 

OMMO AME: Rainbo\\ runner. 

21 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and slightly compressed. Premaxillary teeth '>mall and Iflcompi 

cuous, arranged in patches not rows. Two dorsal fins: the first short and low with a mon: or Ie'>'> ,tralght or convex 

margin , comprised of about 6 spines; the second much longer and higher than the fir'>t, followed hy a slflgic j mid 

Anal fin also followed by a single finlet. Caudal peduncle lacking scutes. 

COLOR: Back greenish blue becoming yellowish to white on the belly, 2 blue bands on the '>idc,> of the body. Oor 

sal, caudal, and anal fins yellowish green; pectoral and pelvic fins yellowish sometimes with hhH:. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN nil". ARf J\' 

Caranx crysos: dorsal and anal fins not followed by finlets (a single finlet present after dorsal and aTlal lins Ifl I .. 

bipinnulata); pectoral fin long, extending to a point above anal fin (short, not extending to anal fin m I,. hlpmf/u· 

lata); caudal scutes present (absent in E. blpinnulata). 

Species of Seriola: dorsal and anal fins not followed by finlets (a single IInlct present after dorsal and anal lIn'> In 

E. bipinnulata). 

SIZE: To 100 cm; common to 75 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A worldwide tropical and temperate spe~ies. found Ifl the western Atlallti(; 

from New England, throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to norther!' Brazli. 

Serio/a dumerili (Risso) 

COMMON NAME: Greater amberjack. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and moderately compressed. Ja\\ teeth small in broad patches. 

Dorsal fin divided into 2 parts: first with 7 spines; second with 1 spine and 29-35 soft rays. Distance between last ray 

of dorsal fin and origin of caudal fin much less than base of second part of dorsal fin. Pectoral fim short. not reaching a point above the origin of the anal fin. Longest ray of second dorsal fin about t\\ Ice as long as longest spine of 

the first dorsal fin in adults. Maximum body depth less than one-third fork length. Grooves present on dorsal and 

ventral surfaces of caudal peduncle. 

COLOR: Back blue or blue green gradually turning silvery to silver brown on the sides. An amber stripe runnlflg 

from the eye along the middle of the body is often present. Fins dark to dusky, sometimes wnh white margins 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Elagatis bipinnulata: dorsal and anal fins followed by a single fin let (no finlets in S. dumer/It). 

Caranx crysos: pectoral fins long, extending to a point above anal fin (short, not extending above anal fin in S. 

dumerilt); caudal scutes present (absent in S. dumerill); caudal peduncle without grooves (distinct dorsal and ventral grooves on caudal peduncle of S., dumerilt). 

Seriola rivoliana: longest ray of second dorsal fin about three times as long as longest spine of first dorsal in adults 

(about twice as long as longest spine in first dorsal fin in adult S. dumer/It); maximum body depth more than onethird fork length (less than one-third in S. dumer/It). 

SIZE: To 150 cm; common to 70 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: An Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific tropical to temperate marine 

species found in the western Atlantic as far north as Nova Scotia; along the eastern United States Bermuda 

throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and south to Brazil. " 

22 
Seriola rivoliana Cuvier 

COMMON NAME: Almaco jack. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate, moderately compressed. Jaw teeth small, in broad patches. 

Dorsal fin divided into 2 parts: the first with 7 spines; the second with 1 spine and from 27 to 33 soft rays. Distance 

between last ray of dorsal fin and origin of caudal fin much less than base of second part of dorsal fin. Pectoral fins 

short, not reaching a point above the origin of the anal fin. Longest ray of second dorsal about three times as long as 

longest spine of first dorsal fin in adults. Maximum body depth more than one-third fork length. Grooves present 

on dorsal and ventral surfaces of caudal peduncle. 

COLOR: Back brown to olive green or blue green turning silvery to brown on sides, an amber stripe running from 

the eye along the middle of the body may be present. Fins dark to dusky usually with light or white margins. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Elagalis bipinnulala: dorsal and anal fins followed by a single finlet (no finlets in S. rivo/iana). 

Caranx crysos: pectoral fins long, extending to a point above anal fin (short, not reaching above anal fin in S. 

rivoliana); caudal scutes present (absent in S. rivoliana); caudal peduncle without grooves (distinct dorsal and 

ventral grooves on caudal peduncle of S. rivoliana). 

Seriola dumerili: longest ray of second dorsal fin about twice as long as longest spine of first dorsal fin in adults 

(about three times as long as longest spine in first dorsal fin in S. rivo/iana); maximum body depth less than onethird fork length (more than one-third in S. rivo/iana). 

SIZE: To 100 cm; common to 80 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Predominantly a circumtropical species but may enter some temperate areas. 

Found in the western Atlantic from Cape Cod throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and Bermuda, 

and south along the eastern coast of South America to Argentina. 

SNAKE MACKERELS 

Snake mackerels or fishes of the family Gempylidae resemble tuna and mackerellike fish (Scombridae) in having 

moderately elongate and slightly compressed bodies, 2 dorsal fins, the second of which is followed by several finlets. 

Unlike scombrids, gempylids have a second inner row of 3 or 4 teeth present at the anterior end of each premaxilla. 

Gasterochisma melampus Richardson, a scombrid fish that is similar to the snake mackerels, is occasionally taken 

by longline operations in the Southern Hemisphere and transported to the western North Atlantic. It can be distinguished from the gempylids because of its high number of dorsal and anal finlets (8 or 9), its robust body with large 

thick scales, and the presence of large pelvic fins which fold back into grooves. 

Two gempylid species may be taken by longline in this area. For more information concerning gempylids of the 

western Atlantic see Bigelow and Schroeder (1953), Matsubara and Iwai (1958), and Fischer (1978). 

23 
KEY ~O THE PE IE 

r 

No keels on cdud 1 ppduncl wi n 

spinous proj ctions '11aUnn scr tchy 0 the o~~. Z 

anal finlets. 

~uvet uS pr 10 ~ 

0<1 ic;n 

Lepldocvhtum flavobrunneum mllh 

I.: olar 

DE' RIPlI\f C H \R \Cl I R 

COLOR: mform dark bro\\n to bl.tLk 

DlSTI G I HING H R CTERS or I III \ RRI 

Elagatis bipinnlliata: prema,I1lar) Lccth mall and .Irranged In 

cuned inv.ard in L. jlal'obrunnt:III1l); liN dvr .II rIO \\ Ilh 6 pme ( r 9 In l {liJl 

dorsal and anal fim (4-6 rlnlet~ alter dorsal and anal 1m III L jlolobnmnCIifl/) 

(present 10 L. jlol'obrunnl!ufTl); bod} colorulll n grcem h blue 10 ell v. anJ \ hll ( 

In L jlavobnmneum). 

Ruvellus pretlosus: no keeb on caudal pedunLk. Il 15 pme 10 fir I d r I fm ( olubnmnt liT I). ~ 

3 dorsal and anal finlels (4-6 in L jlu\'obnmnl!lI11/); cak \\ IIh pmou proJc \I n m.l!..m III 

touch. scales modified 10 form a keel on bdl); lalcral line Ir,lI -hI ( IOU 01 1.11 In I 17olubrlll/l/t~lfIt) 

Species of Seombridae: teeth in a single ro\\ (01 ~econd ro\\ 01 J or 4 .:Ollle I teeth pre cot on ,Olen r nJ r premaxilla of L. jlovobnmneum); laleral line rna) ha,c ~e\eral ,mall dip ran abrupI dIp In \ ombtromon 

CO valla; however. dips not as pronounced and Ihe abrupt dip I~ PL) lenor to the IIr t dor I fin (under fir t d r I 

rin in L. jlavobrunneum). 

SIZE: To 200 em; commo n to ISO em. 

24 
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A worldwide species. In the western Atlantic found off shore along the east 

coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, and the Bahamas. 

Ruvettus pretiosus Cocco 

COMMO AfI,IE: Oilfish. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTER Body moderately elongate and slightly compressed. Premaxillary teeth are 

conical and slightly curved inward; a second row of about 2 enlarged fanglike teeth are present at the anterior end of 

each premaxilla; lower jaw teeth are similar to the outer row of premaxillary teeth. Two separated dorsal fins: the 

first low with a more or less convex margin compri ed of 13-15 spines; the second higher than the first, followed by 

about 2 finlet . Anal fin followed by about 2 fin let . No keels on caudal peduncle. Lateral line more or less straight, 

curving dOl'll slightly above the pectoral fin. Scales with spinous projections making the skin scratchy to the touch, 

modified to form a keel on the bell,. 

COLOR: A Uniform brown with black pectoral and pelvic fin tips, second dorsal and anal fin s with white margins 

in young specimens. 

DISTI G ISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Elagalis bipinnulala: premaxillary teeth small and inconspicuous arranged in patches (in 2 rows, large and slightly curved inward in R. preliosus); first dorsal fin with 6 spines (J 3-15 in R. p retlOsus); only I dorsal and anal finlet 

(dorsal and anal fins followed by 2 finlets in R. pretiosus); body covered with smooth scales (scales with spinous 

projections in R. preliosus); body coloration greenish blue to yellow and white (uniform dark brown to black in 

R. preliosus). 

Lepidocybium flavobrunneum: three pairs of keels on caudal peduncle, 8 or 9 spines in first dorsal fin (no caudal 

keels and 13-15 dorsal fin spines in R. pretiosus); 4-6 dorsal and anal finlets (2 or 3 in R. pretiosus); scales smooth 

without spinous projections, no keel of scales on the belly; lateral line sinusoidal (slightly curved in R. pretiosus). 

Species of Scombridae: teeth in a single row (a second row of 2 fanglike teeth is present on the anterior end of the 

premaxilla of R. preliosus); caudal keels present; scales not modified to form a keel on the belly. 

SIZE: To 300 cm; common to 150 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A worldwide species. In the western Atlantic found offshore along the east 

coast of the United States, West Indies, Bermuda, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. 

TUNA AND MACKERELLIKE FISHES 

The tuna and mackerellike fishes belong to the family Scombridae. They can be distinguished from most other 

groups of fishes because their first dorsal fins are comprised of 9-27 spines, have more or less straight or concave 

upper profLles, and are separated from the second dorsal fins which are followed by 5 or more finlets. Fishes of this 

family have 2 or 3 pairs of caudal keels; 3 pairs in all species commonly taken by longline. 

Representatives of two other families of fishes, Carangidae (the jacks) and Gempylidae (the oilfish and escolar), 

may be confused with the Scombridae occurring in the area. Fishes of the family Carangidae have from 3 to 8 dorsal 

fin spines (9-27 in Scombridae). Carangids frequently develop scutes along the posterior part of the lateral line (no 

scutes in Scombridae). Carangids usually do not have more than I or 2 dorsal or anal finlets (an exception is the 

genus Oligoplites, which has a series of dorsal and anal finlets), and there are usually 2 detached spines in front of 

the anal fin (present in Oligoplites). 

25 
KEY TO THE GENERA OF SCOMBRIDAE COVERED IN THI S GUllJt:. 

Snout about as lonq as res t of Snout much shorter than res t of 

head; 9111 rakers absent; 2101" head; qill rakers present; 20 or 

I'OOre 

contea 

fin.; 

spines 

posterior 

1 ed under 

in 

end 

first 

preorbi 

of 

dorsal 

maxilla 

ta 1 bone 

fewer 

posterior 

spines 

end 

in 

of 

first 

maxilla 

dorsal 

exposed 

fln; ~ 

~ 

Acanthocybium 

Wahoo 

~ 

Awns 

FrTgdte .nd Bullet tunas I se£> l)cncric key) 

Two dorsal fins separated by a 

larqe interspace. lonqer than 

or eQua 1 to the base of th£> 

fir'it dorsal fin base; interpelvic 

Drocess composed of a single 

arqe lobe 

r.> ;' ,~,_y-_ 

...J)I ' .... -<- ~ 

~) ~ ~' '-~ --

~ 

Thunnus 

(see generit I<f:'Y) 

_J \ \ ~~ )/ 

I Maxilla shorttextendinq to d 

vertical under or anterior to 

the posterior marqin of the 

pupil, first dorsal fin with 

a distinctly concave marqin 

Two dorsal fins <;eparat('d by a 

narrow interspace. much shorter 

than the base nf the (ir'it dor,;al 

fin; interpelvic proCf'SS :omposed 

of twn smoll lobps 

~ 

I 

~ 

#. ~~~\ I"~ 

Body covered WIth very smoll ille~ 

behind corsplf't no bl~d <;pot 

body; 30 to ,6 DPe I,orill ~ i n r,IY' 

f 

Teeth in jaws flat and 

compressed; corselet of scales not well developed, 

not extending past base of 

pectoral fir! --f'16IYj.. 

~ 

Teeth in jaws slender, conical hardly 

compressed: corselet of scales well developed. extending beyond base of 

pec tara 1 f1 n. 

Scomberomorus 

Spanlsh mack.erels 

(see generic key) 

MW 

Maxilla long, extendinq to a 

vertical at or behind the 

posterior margin of the orbit. 

first dorsal fin with a roore or 

les<; <,traight margin ~ ~ 

-r Gi 11 rakers 53 to 63 on fi rs t drch; 

3 to 5 prominent dad longitudinal 

stripes on belly 

r',k'" '9 to ~t. In I ,. ,t ar 

no dad 10n'l t Jdi na tr [les on 

J 

l ~ndy ndk ~d bph n c, ,ro;;e fit b H" 

,P( h, uSJall PI" ?rJt hptwPf'n 

pl~1 ton ,'Ina pe II in na' eo;; 

hWf'r :hrln ~O [If' tnl 11 f"i, 10 

1., 

Sarda sarda BOriTIo --

ltnvpn ~ 'I 

hT 

Kdt!..uwonus 

S[lP.'ild tun~' 
tv 

-.J 

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AUXIS OCCURRING IN THE AREA 

Posterior part of corselet wide, 6 to 20 

scales wide under the origin of the 

second dorsal fin; vertical from scaleless 

area above corselet not reaching tip of 

pectoral fin; dark stripes on back nearly 

vertical. 

Auxis rochei 

Bullet tuna 

Posterior part of corselet narrow, not more 

than 5 scales wide under the origin of the 

second dorsal fin; vertical from scaleless 

area above corselet reaching tip of pectoral 

fin; dark stripes on back oblique, not 

vertical. 

Auxis thazard 

Frigate tuna 
KEY TO TH E SPECIES OF SCOMBEROMORUS OCCURRING IN THE AREA 

Lateral line abruptly curving 

downward below second dorsal 

fin; sides a uniform silver gray 

in adults; no n~re than 10 tota l 

gill rakers on first arch. 

Scomberomorus cavalla 

Ki ng mackerel 

Yellow to bronze spots, no streaks or lines, on sides: maxilla extends 

to a point under or posterior to 

the fleshy margin of the orbit; 

pectoral fin scaly only at base. 

Found in waters off the Atlantic 

coast of the U. S. and in the Gulf 

of Mexico; total vertebrae 50 to 53 . 

Scomberomorus macuJatus 

Spani sh mack er el 

28 

Lateral line gradually rlJrvinq 

downward toward caudal ~epl; 

yellow spots or darr strears on sides. usually 10 or more glll 

rakers on first arch. 

Yellow to bronze spct~ dbn~e ard 

below a ~id-la ra' r1W of 

streak~ or lines of var'abl~ IFn~tr: 

maxilla extends to a pOint at or betweer the pn~terier ~arai~ ,f the 

pupi I an '"'eshy orhi t; pectoral 

fin 'overed with sea es 

Scomberomor~s regalis 

Cero 

Found in waters off the Caribbean 

coast of Central America and off 

the Atlantic coast of South America; 

total vertebrae 47 to 49. 

Scomberomorus brasiliensis 

Serra spaniSh mackerel 
o 

l 

Postprlor fIldrgln Of (~udal In lot 1 

d "pest a a poln near he origin 0 

"cond dor a 1 and aM 1 f! ns; pec ora 1 

pxtends beyond hI' Sf'cond dorsa I f n. 

usually to a poln under he second dor<al 

fir-Ie. 

To al 9111 rd~ers 011 f rs art more 

thdn 25; finle ric 11 ",I 

blacO margi s 

r 

l 

oce 

r 
Fishes of the family Gempylidae usually lack distinct markings on the body. With the exception of Lepidocybium 

f1avobrunneum, gempylids lack keels on the caudal peduncle. Lepidocybium has a deep dip in the lateral line under 

the anterior portion of the first dorsal fin. Also, the first dorsal fin is low, longest spine less than half the height of 

the second dorsal, and it is convex in outline (straight or concave in the Scombridae). 

Several scombrid genera are taken by longline in the area. The scombrids in this guide represent 15 species in 7 

genera. Additional information regarding the species of Scombridae in the western Atlantic is co ntained in papers 

by Gibbs and Collette (1967), Miyake and Hayasi (1972), Collette and Chao (1975), Collette et al. (1978), and 

Fischer (1978). 

Acanthocybium solandri (Cuvier) 

COMMON NAME: Wahoo. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate, only slightly laterally compressed. Two dorsal fins: the first 

with 24-26 spines; the second followed by 9 finlets. Teeth moderate in size and compressed. Corselet not extending 

past base of pectoral fin. Snout about as long as the rest of the head. Gill rakers absent; posterior part of maxilla 

completely concealed under preorbital bone. 

COLOR: Back, iridescent bluish green; numerous dark vertical bars on sides which extend to below lateral line. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Species of Sarda, Auxis, Euthynnus, Katsuwonus, and Thunnus: corselet extends past pectoral fin (does not 

extend past pectoral fin base in A. solandn); snout shorter than rest of head (about as long as the rest of the head 

in A. solandn). 

Species of Scomberomorus: gill rakers present (absent in A. solandn); fewer than 24 spines in first dorsal fin 

(24-26 spines in A. solandn); snout much shorter than rest of head (about as long as rest of head in A. solandn). 

SIZE: To 183 cm FL. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A cosmopolitan species usually found offshore throughout the Caribbean 

Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the eastern coast of the United States, and the northern and eastern coasts of South 

America. 

Auxis rochei (Risso) 
COMMON NAME: Bullet tuna. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARA<;TERS: Body elongate and rounded. Two dorsal fins separated by large interspace 

greater than or equal to the length of first dorsal fin base; second dorsal followed by 8 finlets. Vertical line from 

anterior margin of scaleless area above corselet does not reach past tip of pectoral fin. A single large interpelvic 

process as long as pelvic fins. Teeth small and conical. Body naked except for the corselet which is well developed 

and extends beyond the tip of the pectoral fins; corselet wide, 6-20 scales wide under second dorsal fin origin. A well 

developed median caudal keel present. 

COLOR: Back bluish turning to deep purple or almost black on the head; a pattern of 15 or more fairly broad, 

nearly vertical dark bars in the scaleless area; belly white; pectoral and pelvic fins purple, their inner sides black. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Auxis (hazard: posterior part of corselet narrow, not more than 5 scales wide under origin of second dorsal fin 

(6-20 scales wide in A. rachel); pectoral fins reaching vertical from scaleless area above corselet; dark stripes on 

back more oblique. 

Scamber spp.: scales present all over body, no median caudal keel between 2 small keels on each side of caudal fin 

base; 5 finlets behind second dorsal and anal fins (8 or 9 in Auxis spp.); corselet absent; interpelvic process minute 

(single and as long or longer than length of pelvic fin in Auxis spp.). 

Other scombrids: all other scombrid species occurring in this area have both dorsal fins close together (separated 

by large interspace greater than or equal to the length of first dorsal fin base in Auxis spp.). 

SIZE: To 40 cm FL; common to 35 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A cosmopolitan warmwater species that occurs sporadically throughout the 

western central Atlantic. Until recently, only one species was recognized in this area, so exact distribution of the two 

species (A. rochei and A. Ihazard) is not well known. A uxis rochei appears to be the more common. Adults have 

been taken largely in inshore waters along the northern and eastern coasts of South America. 

Auxis thazard (Lacepede) 

COMMON NAME: Frigate tuna 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and rounded. Two dorsal fins separated by large interspace 

greater than or equal to length of the first dorsal fin base; second dorsal followed by 8 finlets. Vertical line from 

anterior margin of scaleless area above corselet reaching past pectoral fins. A single large interpelvic process, as long 

as pelvic fin s. Teeth small and conical. Body naked except for the corselet which is well developed and extends 

beyond the tip of the pectoral fin s; corselet narrow, no more than 5 scales wide under second dorsal fin origin. A 

well developed median caudal keel present. 

COLOR: Back bluish, turning to deep purple or almost black on head; a pattern of 15 or more narrow, oblique to 

nearly horizontal, dark wavy lines in scaleless area above lateral line; belly white; pectoral and pelvic fins purple, 

their inner sides black. 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Auxis rochei: posterior part of corselet wider, 6-20 scales wide under origin of second dorsal fin (not more than 5 

scales wide in A. thazard); vertical from scaleless area above corselet not reaching past pectoral; dark strIpes on 

back nearly vertical. . . Scomber spp.: scales present all over body, no median caudal keel between 2 small keels on each Ide 0 f caudal fIn 

base; 5 finlets behind second dorsal and anal fins (8 or 9 in Auxis spp.); corselet absent; Interpelvlc process mInute 

(single and as large or larger than length of pelvic fin in Auxis spp.). . 

Other scombrids: all other scombrid species occurring in this area have both dorsal fInS close together (separated 

by large interspace greater than or equal to length of first dorsal fin base in A uxis spp.). 

SIZE: To 50 cm FL; common to 40 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A cosmopolitan warmwater species that occurs sporadIcally throughout the 

western central Atlantic. Until recently, only one species, currently known as A. rochel, was recognized In the 

western Atlantic so that the exact distribution of the two species is not well known. Reported from west of St. Vincent, off Caracas, at Trinidad, and around Margarita Island in eastern Venezuela. 

Euthynnus alletteratus (Rafmesque) 

COMMON NAME: Little tunny. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body fusiform and robust. Two dorsal fins separated by a nano\\ interspace: 

the first strongly concave in outline; the second followed by 8 finlets. Interpelvic process bilobed. Teeth small and 

conical. Body naked except for lateral line and corselet which extends well past pectoral fin. Median caudal keel well 

developed. 

COLOR: Back dark blue with a complicated striped pattern not extending forward beyond middle of first dorsal 

fin; lower sides and belly silvery white; several characteristic dark spots between pelvic and pectoral fins (not always 

conspicuous). 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not developed, enlarged scales not extending past base of pectoral fin (extending 

past tip of pectoral fin in Euthynnus alletteratus); teeth compressed (teeth conical in E. a//efteralus). 

Auxis spp.: dorsal fin interspace at least as long as base of first dorsal fin (interspace short in E. a/letteralus). 

Sarda sarda: stripes on back extending forward under origin of first dorsal fin (more or less mottled, extending 

only as far as anterior one-third of first dorsal fin in E. a/letteratus); outline of first dorsal almost straight (strongly concave in E. alletteratus). 

Katsuwonus pelamis: four to six very conspicuous longitudinal dark bands which, in live specimens, may appear 

as discontinuous lines of dark blotches on belly (only dark spots between pelvic and pectoral fins in E. a/lelteratus); 53-63 gill rakers on first arch (not more than 30 in E. alletteratus). 

Thunnus spp.: back pigmentation is metallic dark blue to black without striping or mottling (a complica'ted 

mottled pattern on the back extending forward beyond middle of first dorsal fin in E, alletteralus), 

SIZE: To 100 cm FL; common to 75 cm, 
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: An Atlantic and Mediterranean species, found in the western Atlantic from 

New England south throughout the Caribbean, the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the northern and eastern coasts of 

South America through BraziL 

Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus) 

COMMON NAME: Skipjack tuna. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and rounded. Gill rakers numerous, 53-63 total on first 

gill arch. Two dorsal fins separated by a small interspace: the first with 14-16 spines; the second followed by 7-9 

finlets. Interpelvic process bilobed. Teeth small and conical. Body scaleless except for the corselet and lateral line; 

corselet well developed, extends well beyond pectoral fins. A well developed median caudal keel on each side of the 

caudal fin . 

COLOR: Back dark, purplish blue, lower sides and belly silvery, with 4-6 longitudinal dark bands which in live 

specimens may appear as discontinuous lines of dark blotches. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet lacking, enlarged scales not extending past base of pectoral fin (corselet well developed, extending beyond tip of pectoral fin in K. pe/amis); teeth compressed (conical in K. pe/amis). 

A uxis spp.: distance between first and second dorsal fins at least as long as base of first dorsal (distance between 

first and second dorsal fins not as long as base of first dorsal fin in K. pe/amis). 

Sarda sarda: longitudinal stripes on back (stripes on belly in K. pe/amis); gill rakers 16-22 (53-63 in K. pe/amis); 

dorsal spines 20-23 (14-16 in K. pe/amis). 

Other scombrids: all other scombrid species in the area lack the dark longitudinal bands on the belly and ha~e 

fewer gill rakers, at most 43 (Thunnus I. Ihynnus). 

SIZE: To 100 cm FL; common to 80 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical seas. Occurs in large schools in 

,deep waters. Commonly found in mixed schools with blackfin tuna, Thunnus al/anlicus, in the western North 

Atlantic; throughout the tropical western Atlantic seasonally from Cape Cod south to Argentina. 

Sarda sarda (Bloch) 

COMMON NAME: Atlantic bonito. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A small, relatively narrow-bodied species. Mouth large, upper jaw reaching to 

or beyond hind margin of eye; teeth small and conical. Gill rakers 16-22 on first gill arch. Two dorsal fins separated 

by a small space: the first with 20-23 spines; the second followed by 7-9 finlets. Interpelvic process bilobed. Lateral 

line conspicuously wavy. Body entirely covered with scales which are minute except on the well-developed corselet. 

A well developed median caudal keel present. 

33 
' ( --. 

COLOR: Back and upper sides steel blue with 5-11 dark, slightly oblique stripe,>, lower Ides and bell, ~ilver). 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRI G IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not well developed, thickened scales do not extend much past base of pectoral fin 

(c;)rselet well developed in Sarda sarda); stripes when present are horizontal (oblique in S. sarda). 

Other scombrids: may be distinguished from all other scombrids In the area by pigmentallon pattern. The onl, 

other scombrid with longitudinal dark stripes I Kafsuwonus pelamis, but they ar~ on the belly. root on the back as 

in S. sarda. 

SIZE: To 85 cm FL; common to 50 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: An Atlantic and MedIterranean specie> (induding the Blad.. and Adriatic 

Seas); found in the western Atlantic from the east and Gulf coasts of the nited State; common off the coasts of 

Colombia and Venezuela; absent from most of the Caribbean Sea. 

Scomberomorus brasiliensis Collette, Russo and Zavala-Camin 

COMMON NAME: Serra Spanish mackerel. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate. strongly compressed. Two dorsal fins, the second followed by 

7-10 finlets. Corselet not extending past base of pectoral fin. Snout much shorter than the rest of the head. Teeth 

compressed. Many gill rakers on first arch, 1-3 (usually 2 or 3) on upper limb; 9-13 (usually 10-12) on lower limb; 

total 11-16 (usually 12-15). Lateral line gradually curving downward toward well developed median caudal keel. 

Pectoral fin with scales only at base. Posterior end of maxilla exposed, extending to a point under or beyond 

posterior fleshy margin of orbit. Total vertebrae 47-49 (usually 48). Pelvic fin length about 4.5070 FL. 

COLOR: Back iridescent bluish green, sides silvery with several rows of round yellowish-bronze spots but without 

any lines or streaks. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus cavalla: sharp dip in lateral line under second dorsal fin; usually 7-10 gill rakers on first arch 

(usually 12-15 in S. brasiliensis); sides silver gray in adults (several rows of spots in S. brasiliensis). 

34 
S. regalis: pectoral fin scaly (scales present only on base in S. brasiliensis); total gill rakers on first arch usually 

14-17 (usually 12-15 in S. brasiliensis); maxilla extends to a point between the posterior margin of pupil and 

fleshy orbit (at or posterior to posterior fleshy margin of orbit in S. brasiliensis); midlateral row of yellow-orange 

streaks of variable length, small yellow spots or broken lines above and below streaks (no streaks or broken lines 

present, spots more or less circular in S. brasiliensis). 

S. maculatus: total vertebrae 50-53, usually 51 or 52 (47-49, usually 48, in S. brasiliensis); pelvic fin length about 

5.51170 FL (4.5% in S. brasiliensis). The ranges of these two species are not known to overlap. Scomberomorus 

maculatus is a coastal species and extends along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, around the 

Gulf of Mexico, and south to Progresso, Yucatan. The northernmost record of S. brasiliensis is Belize. Scomberomorus brasiliensis is present along the Atlantic coast of Central America, south along the Atlantic coast of 

South America from Colombia through Brazil. 

Acanthocybium solandri: no gill rakers; 24-26 spines in first dorsal fin «24 in Scomberomorus); snout about as 

long as rest of head (much shorter in Scomberomorus); posterior end of maxilla concealed under preorbital bone; 

numerous vertical stripes on sides of body. 

SIZE: To 125 cm FL; usually 40-65 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A coastal species restricted to the western Atlantic. Ranges along the Caribbean coast of Central America from Belize south along the Atlantic coast of South America from Colombia 

through Brazil. 

Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvier) 

COMMON NAME: King mackerel. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate, strongly compressed. Two dorsal fins, the second followed by 

7-10 finlets. Corselet not well developed, not extending past base of pectoral fin. Snout much shorter than rest of 

head. Teeth compressed. Gill rakers on first arch few, I or 2 on upper limb; 6-9 on lower limb; total 7-13 (usually 

8-10). Lateral line abruptly curving downward below second dorsal fin extending to well developed median caudal 

keel. Pectoral fin with scales only at base. Posterior end of maxilla exposed, extending to a point under or beyond 

posterior fleshy margin of orbit. 

COLOR: Back iridescent bluish green, sides silver gray. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus maculatus and S. brasiliensis: lateral line gradually curving downward toward caudal keel 

(abruptly curving downward below second dorsal fin in S. caval/a); usually 12-15 total gill rakers on first arch 

(usually 8-10 in S. caval/a); ides silvery with numerous yellow-orange to bronze spots (sides silver gray in 

S. caval/a). 

S. regalis: lateral line gradually curving downward toward caudal keel (abruptly curving downward below second 

dorsal fin in S. caval/a); usually 14-17 total gill rakers on first gill arch (usually 8-10 in S. caval/a); sides silvery 

with a midlateral row of yellow-orange streaks of variable length; small yellow spots or broken lines above and 

below streaks (spots without streaks or lines present only in juvenile S. caval/a). 

A can rhocybium solandri: no gill rakers; 24-26 spines in first dorsal fin « 24 in Scomberomorus); snout about as 

as long as rest of head (much shorter in Scomberomorus); posterior end of maxilla concealed under preorbital 

bone; numerous vertical stripes on sides of body. 

SIZE: To 150 cm FL; common to 70 cm. 

35 
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A western AtlalltK \pl:rie . fOUJld .doJlg the 11.IIIlIC co t of the United 

States seasonally, from Masachusetts south along hoth ella IS 01 I lllilda, throughout the Baharnd ~ alld ,\nlllles to 

South America from Venezuela southward to Rio Lie Janeiro. 

Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchill) 

- -... _----""-"-

COMt\10 NA~lI:: Spamsh ma.:kercl. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARA T RS: Boll) elun);ate. trongI\ ~orr pr cd T cd 

7-10 finlets Corselet not e\lendmg bcyond ba e or pe loral rill. n ut 'l1u~h Teeth 

compressed. Many gIll ra\..cr on fiN arch. I 4 (usdall~ 2 or ) 011 01'1' r .lInb. '1 11 U lI.lI 'tr 1m. 

total 11-16 (usually 12-14) Lateral hne graduall) "unlng d \\n"ard to\larJ "ell dt\ I ped rned.1Il alld.l 

Pectoral fin with scale only al ba c. Poslerlor cnd of maxil J e po ed. c IcnJIII' dt· r be} nd 

posterior fleshy margin of orbit. Total 1 cnebrae 50-5\ Pel\ K i U' lenglh boul S ~ 

COLOR: Back indescent bluish green. ~Ides \Iha) llil~ nun'crou }cI 0\\ to brOnlt IX I but "lIh UI.ln I ne 

streaks. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARA TER or SI\llLAR SPECl[S OlC L RRI lJ I THE ARL '\ 

Scomberomorus cavalla: sharp dip in lateral line under eeond dJr .II fin. U uil 1) ~ 10 gill ra cr n r I ar~h 

(usually 12-14 In S macula/us); sides are silver grav in adllil . 

S. rega/is: pectoral fin scal} (scale~ present only on ba e III 5 lIIucu/alli ). 10lal III r ker n IIr ar ~ (J l..lll 

14-17 (usually 12-14 In S. macula/us); ma'l.illa e\lend to a poim under the regIOn bel\\CCn th po tenor margin 

of the pupil and the fleshy orbit (at or posten or to Ihe poslenor ne"h~ margm of the orblt.n mac II/alii ) 

Midlateral row of yellow-orange streaks 01 variable length. small yello\\ ~r01 or bro en hnes abolc anJ b 10\\ 

streaks (no streaks or broken line pre ent. spot more or less circular in S. moclIlu(1I ) 

S. brasiliensis: total vertebrae 47-49. usually 48 (50-53, lI')ually 51 or 52 In S 1II0Cl/lallls); pehll fm lengt~ about 

4.5% FL (5.5070 in S. macula/us). The ranges of these t\\O speCie, are not \"nol\n 10 0\Crlap Ihe northemmo I 

record of S. brasiltensis is Belize. Scomberomorus brasiliensis b present along the arlbbean eoa t f entral 

America, south along the coast of South America from Colombia to ~outhem Brall!. SlolllbcromonlS I1Iu(l/latus 

is a coastal species and is found along the Atlantic coast of the nitt:d tates through the Gulf of \lc",co to Progresso, Yucatan. 

Acanlhocybium so/andri: no gill rakers; 24-26 spmes m first dorsal fin ( 24 m ScolllberOIJl(Jru~); ,nOlll .lb0ut a 

long as rest of head (much shorter in Scomberomorus); po terior end ot ma'l.illa con.:ealed under preorbual bone; 

numerous vertical stripes on sides of body. 

SIZE: To 70 cm FL; common to 50 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A coastal species restricted to the western orth Atlanll~. Range~ from 

Massachusetts south along the eastern coast of the United States to Florida, around the cape of Florida and along 

the Gulf coast of the United States and Mexico, south to Progresso. Yucatan . Occasionally found around the coas~ 

of Bermuda. but absent from the West Indies. 

36 
Scomberomorus regalis (Bloch) 

COMMON NAME: Cero. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate, strongly compressed. Two dorsal fins, the second followed by 

7-10 finlets. Corselet not extending past base of pectoral fin. Snout much shorter than rest of head. Teeth compressed. Many gill rakers on first arch, 2-4 on upper limb, 11-14 on lower arch, total usually 14-17. Lateral line 

gradually curving downward toward well developed median caudal keel. Pectoral fin covered with scales. Posterior 

end of maxilla exposed, extending to a point at or between posterior margins of pupil and fleshy orbit. 

COLOR: Back iridescent bluish green, sides silvery with a mid lateral row of yellow-orange streaks of variable 

length; small yellow spots or broken lines above and below streaks. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

S. cavalla: sharp dip in lateral line under second dorsal fin; total gill rakers on first arch usually 7-10 (usually 

14-17 in S. regalis); ides are a uniform silver gray to slightly mottled in adults (S. regalis has the distinctive 

midlateral streak or treaks); pectoral fin scaly only at base. 

S. maculatus and S. brasiliensis: sides of body with numerous round yellow to bronze spots; pectoral fin scaly only 

at base; maxilla extends to a point under or posterior to fleshy margin of orbit (between pupil and posterior 

margin of fleshy orbit in S. regalis). 

Acanlhocybium solandri: no gill rakers; 24-26 spines in first dorsal fin ( < 24 in Scomberomorus); snout about as 

long as rest of head (much shorter in Scomberomorus); posterior end of maxilla concealed under preorbital bone; 

numerous vertical stripes on sides of body. 

SIZE: To 80 cm; common to 45 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A western Atlantic species found off southeastern Florida and the Bahamas, 

south through the Antilles and along the Atlantic coa t of South America from Venezuela to Brazil. Especially common in the West Indies. 

Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre) 

37 
COMMON NAME: Albacore. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and fusiform, deepest at or only slightly anterior to the seco nd 

dorsal fin. Gill rakers on first arch 25- 31. Teeth small and conical. Two dorsal fins separated by a small Interspace, 

the second not as high as the first and followed by 7-9 finlets. Pectoral fins conspicuously long, reaching well 

beyond origin of second dorsal fin. Maxilla relatively short, not extending to a vertical below posterior margin of 

pupil. Interpelvic process bilobed. Small scales on body, corselet of larger scales present but not very dlSl1nct. welJ 

developed median caudal keel. Liver striated on ventral surface. Swim bladder present. 

COLOR: Back metallic dark blue, lower sides and belly whil1sh; a faint lateral Iridescent blue band rum along 

sides in live specimens; first dorsal fin deep yellow, second dorsal and anal fins light yellow, finlets dusky; posterior 

margin of caudal fin white. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING I THE AR A: 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not well developed, enlarged scales not extending past base of pectoral fin (corselet 

present but not very distinct in Thunnus spp.); maxilla long, at least extending to a vertical under posterior 

margin of pupil (maxilla short, not extending to a vertical under posterior margin of pupil in Thunnus pp.). 

Auxis spp.: dorsal fin interspace at least as long as base of fim dorsal fin (interspace short in Thunnus spp.); interpelvic process composed of a single large lobe (small and bilobed In Thunnus spp.). 

Sarda sarda: stripes on back extending forward under origin of first dorsal fin (bad, IS a more or less uniform 

metallic dark blue gradually turning silvery to whitish on the Sides and belly In T. u/a/unKa); outline of fim dorsal 

fin almost straight (outline of first dorsal fin strikingly concave in Thunnus spp.). 

Katsuwonus pelamis: four to six conspicuous longitudinal dark bands whICh In h\e specimen may appear as 

discontinuous lines of dark blotches on belly (belly uniform silvery w hne In T alalunga); 53-63 gill rakers on 

first arch (25-31 in T. alalunga). 

Euthynnus alletteratus: complicated mottled pattern of line or bars on back, extending forward beyond middle 

of first dorsal fin (back is a more or less uniform metallic dark blue to blaLk in Thunnus spp.) 

Other species of Thunnus: can be distinguished from all other species of Thunnus because the pectoral fin extends 

beyond the second dorsal usually to a vertical under the first or second fin let (pectoral fin doe 110t extend as far 

back as second dorsal fin in other species of Thunnus; however, in young specimem of T alalunga, < 30 cm, the 

pectoral fins are about equal in length to similar-sized specimens of T alba cares and T. obesus). Other species of 

Thunnus are deepest more anteriorly, u~ually at level of first dorsal fin origin and lack the \\ hite margin to the 

caudal fin. Further distingui hing characters of other species of Thunnus are as follows: 

Thunnus albacares: no striations on ventral surface of liver; belly frequently crossed by about 20 broken, nearly 

vertical lines; second dorsal and anal fins greatly elongated in adults; dorsal and anal fin lets yelloy,. \\ith a narrow black margin (finlets dusky without black margin in T alalunga). 

Thunnus obesus: dorsal and anal finlets bright yellow, with distinct black margins (finlets du ky without black 

margins in T. alalunga). 

Thunnus at/anticus: no striations on ventral surface of liver; 19-25 (usually 23 or fewer) gill rakers on first arch 

(25-31 in T. a/alunga). 

Thunnus thynnus: pectoral fins short, never reaching the space between the dorsal finS; second dorsal fin reddish brown; gill rakers 34--43 on first arch (25-31 in T. ala/unga). 

SIZE: To 140 cm FL; common to 100 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A cosmopolitan specie, often extending into cool waters. In the we tern 

Atlantic, it is known from southern New England to southern Brazil. The most northern record is lat. 43 ° 18' , 

long. 64°02 ' W. There are no records from the Gulf of Mexico although It is widespread throughout the Caribbean 

Sea and off the coast of Venezuela. 

Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre) 

COMMON NAME: Yellowfin tuna. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A large species with an elongate fusiform body, slightly compressed laterally. 

Gill rakers 26-34 on first arch. Teeth small and conical. Two dorsal fins separated by a narrow interspace, the 

second followed by 8-10 finlets. Second dorsal and anal fins greatly elongated in large specimens. Pectoral fins are 

moderately long, usually reaching to the end of the second dorsal fin. Maxilla relatively short, not extending to a 

vertical below posterior margin of pupil. Interpelvic process small and bilobed. Body covered with small scales; 

corselet of larger scales developed but not very distinct. Well developed median caudal keels present on each side of 

38 
caudal peduncle. Ventral surface of liver not striated, right lobe longer than center and left lobes. Swim bladder 

present. 

COLOR: Back metallic dark blue gradually changing through yellow to silver on belly which is frequently crossed 

by about 20 broken, nearly vertical lines; dorsal and anal fins, bright yellow; finlets, bright yellow with a narrow 

black border. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not developed, enlarged scales not extending past base of pectoral fin (corselet 

present but not very distinct in Thunnus spp.); maxilla long, at least extending to a vertical under posterior 

margin of pupil (maxilla short, not extending to a vertical under posterior margin of pupil in Thunnus spp.); teeth 

compressed (conical in Thunnus spp.). 

A uxis spp.: dorsal fin interspace at least as long as base of first dorsal fin (interspace short in Thunnus spp.); interpelvic process composed of a single large lobe (small and bilobed in Thunnus spp.). 

Sarda sarda: stripes on back extending forward under origin of first dorsal fm (back is a more or less uniform 

metallic dark blue gradually changing through yellow to silver on belly in T. albacares); outline of first dorsal fm 

almost straight (outline of first dorsal fin strikingly concave in Thunnus spp.). 

Katsuwonus pelamis: four to six conspicuous longitudinal dark bands which in live specimens may appeap·as discontinuous lines of dark blotches on belly (belly crossed by about 20 nearly vertical lines in T. albacares); 53-63 

gill rakers on first arch (26-34 in T. albacares). 

Euthynnus alletteratus: a complicated mottled pattern of lines or bars on back, extending forward beyond the 

middle of the first dorsal fin (back is a more or less uniform metallic dark blue to black in Thunnus spp.). 

Thunnus obesus: striations present on ventral surface of liver; second dorsal and anal fins not elongate. In specimens of similar size, T. obesus is generally heavier, deeper, and has a larger eye than T. albacares. 

Thunnus atlanticus: gill rakers on first arch 19-25, usually 23 or fewer (26-34 in T. albacares); dorsal and anal fins 

dusky, not bright yellow with black margins as in T. albacares. 

Thunnus alalunga: pectoral fins much longer in adults (but not in juveniles up to 30 cm), usually reaching to 

second dorsal fin let, greatest body depth near origins of second dorsal and anal fins instead of more anteriorly; 

caudal fin with a distinct white margin; striations present on ventral surface of the liver. 

SIZE: To 195 cm FL; common to 150 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A pantropical offshore species occurring in the western Atlantic from New 

England southward off the Atlantic coast to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. 

Thunnus atlanticus (Lesson) 

COMMON NAME: Blackfin tuna. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A small species of tuna with a fusiform body which is slightly laterally compressed. Teeth small and conical. Two dorsal fins, separated only by a narrow interspace, the second followed by 

7-9 finlets. Pectoral fin moderate in length, extending to a point under the origin of the second dorsal fin. Maxilla 

relatively short, not extending to a vertical below the posterior margin of the pupil. Interpelvic process small and 

bilobed. Body covered with small scales; corselet of larger scales developed but not very distinct. Gill rakers few, 

39 
~' 

f 

; 1 

~ 

19-25 on first arch, A well developed median caudal keel on I!ach Idl! of ~"udal rcdun II! \emral urlace of h\er 

not striated, right lobe longer than center and left lobe~. Sw 1m bladder prl! cnt 

CC)LOR: Back metallic dark blue, lower sides silvery gray, bell} w hJII~h, Ilr t dor "I fill du ky, econd dorsal and 

anal fins dusky with a silvery luster: finlets dusky with a tracl! of yellow 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTER OF SIMILAR ' PECIE oce RRI!\) I. lll[ 1\1<1 \ 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not developed, enlarged scale not extending pa t ba e of [.cctoral fin (cor elet 

present but not very di tinct In Thunnu5 spp.); ma\i1la long. at lea t extending to a \er!l al under po tcrior 

margin of pupil (maxilla short, not extending to a vcrtlcal under postenor margin 01 pupllm ThllflflllS spp.); teeth 

compressed (conical in Thunnus spp,). 

Auxis spp.: dorsal fin interspace at least as long as base of first dor allm (Inter pace hort In Thllnnlls pp.): Intcrpelvic process composed of a single large lobe (small and bilobed In ThuflllLlS pp.). 

Sarda sarda: stripes on back extending forward under origlll of fir t dor allin (ba,k I more or Ie untform metal 

lic dark blue gradually becoming silvery on sides of T. atlanlltU ): outline of fir t dor .il fin nearl. tralght (outhne 

of fust dorsal fin strikingly concave in Thunnus spp.), 

Katsu won us pelamis: four to six conspicuous longitudinal dark band ,hi h In 11\ e pc Imen rna) appear a diScontinuous lines of dark blotches on belly (bell) a uniform "hlle 111 T. atlantlClI5); 53-63 gill fa er on fir t arch 

(19-25 in T. atlanticus) 

Euthynnus alletleratus: a complicated mottled pattern of hne~ or bar\ on back, e\tendmg lon' ard be) ond middle 

of first dorsal fill (back IS a more or less uniform metallic dark blue to bla.:\., 111 Thllnnus pp.). 

All other species of Thunnus: more gill rakers on first arch, 24-43 (19-25, u ually 20-23, 111 T. atlanfiCuS) Only a 

few Atlantic specimens of T. obesus and T. alalunga have been recorded with as fe\\ a~ 25 gill raker, further dl -

tinguishing characters of other Thunnus pp, are as follows: 

Thunnus albacares: a larger species with greatly elongated second dorsal and anal lim 111 adults: tlnlet bright 

yellow with black margins (finlets dusky 111 T. atlanticus): belly frequent I) crossed by about 20 broken, nearly 

vertical lines (uniform white in T. atlanilcus). 

Thunnus obesus: liver striated ventrally: finlets bnght yellow w Ilh black marg1l1 . 

Thunnus alalunga: liver striated ventrally; pectoral fillS longer, reaching well beyond posterior end of anal fin 

base; caudal fin with a narrow white distal marg1l1. 

Thunnus thynnus: second dorsal fin reddish brown; pectoral fins very short, not reaching past base of firt 

dorsal fin; liver striated ventrally. 

SIZE: To 89 cm FL; common to 72 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC D ISTRIBUTION: An offshore species known only from the western Atlanllc, from off 

Massachusetts sou thward to the Atlantic coast of Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean ea. 

Thunnus obesus (Lowe) 

COMMON NAME: Bigeye tuna. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A large species with a robust fusiform body, slightly la terally compressed. 

Teeth small and conical. Two dorsal fins separated by a narrow interspace, the second fo llowed by 8-10 finlets. Pec40 
toral fins moderately long extending to under second dorsal in adult specimens but very long (as long as in T. 

alalunga) in smaller specimenE. Maxilla relatively short, not extending to a vertical below posterior margin of pupil. 

Interpelvic process small and bilobed. Body covered with small scales; corselet well developed, not conspicuous but 

extends beyond pectoral fin. A well developed median caudal keel present. Ventral surface of the liver striated. 

Swim bladder present. 

COLOR: Back metallic dark blue, lower sides and belly whitish; a lateral iridescent blue band runs along the sides 

in live specimens; first dorsal fin deep yellow, second dorsal and anal fins light yellow, and finlets bright yellow, 

edged with black. 

DISTI GUISHI G CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not developed, enlarged scales not extending past base of pectoral fin (corselet 

pre ent but not very distinct in Thunnus spp.); maxilla long, at least extending to a vertical under posterior 

margin of pupil (maxilla short, not extending to a vertical under posterior margin of pupil in Thunnus spp.); teeth 

compressed (conical in Thunnus spp.). 

Auxis spp.: dorsal fin interspace at least as long as base of first dorsal fin (int~rspace short in Thunnus spp.); interpelvic process composed of a single large lobe (small and bilobed in Thunnus spp.). 

Sarda sarda: stripes on back extending forward under origin of first dorsal fin (back is a more or less uniform 

metallic dark blue, turning whitish on the lower sides and belly in T. obesus); outline of first dorsal fm almost 

straight (outline of first dorsal fin strikingly concave in Thunnus spp.). 

Katsuwonus pelamis: four to six conspicuous longitudinal dark bands which in live specimens may appear as discontinuous lines of dark blotches on belly (belly white, immaculate in T. obesus); 53-63 gill rakers on first gill 

arch (23-31 gill rakers in T. obesus). 

Euthynnus allelleratus: a complicated mottled pattern of lines or bars on back, extending forward beyond the 

middle of the first dorsal fin (back is a more or less uniform metallic dark blue to black in Thunnus spp.). 

Thunnus albacares: no striations on ventral surface of the liver; second dorsal and anal fins elongate in adults; 

belly frequently crossed by about 20 broken, nearly vertical lines. In specimens of similar length, T. albacares is 

generally lighter weight, slimmer, and has a smaller eye than T. obesus. 

Thunnus atlanticus: no striations on ventral surface of liver; dorsal and anal finlets dusky, not bright yellow with 

black margins as in T. obesus. 

Thunnus alalunga: a narrow white border on caudal fin (no border in T. obesus); the greatest body depth nearest 

the second dorsal and anal fin origins (greatest body depth more anterior in T. obesus); pectoral fins long, in 

adults reaching to about second dorsal finlet. 

Thunnus thynnus: thirty-four to forty-three gill rakers on first arch (23-31 gill rakers in T. obesus); pectoral fin 

short, not reaching beyond base of first dorsal fin (moderately long, extending to under second dorsal fin in 

T. obesus). 

SIZE: To 236 cm FL; common to 180 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A large pantropical species occurring offshore from south of Cape Cod 

throughout the western Atlantic to Argentina. Also found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. 

Thunnus thynnus thynnus (Linnaeus) 

COMMON NAME: Northern bluefin tuna. 

41 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: A large species \\ IIh a fusiform and rounded bod! (ncarl) Ir :;olar In eros sev 

tion). Teeth small and conical. Two dorsal fins eparated by a namm Inter pa c, (hc e~ontl hlghcr than the first and 

followed by 8-10 finlets. Pectoral fins shon, nO! extending past fir t dor,aliin la Ilia relamel; hort. nOI eXIcndmg to a vertical below posterior margin of pupil. Interpeh Ie pro(c mall and bllobed Bod~ ~(l~erc:d ~\ Ith mall 

scales; corselet well developed, not conspIcuoUS but extends be)ond p~doral lin A \\cll dc\clor d median caudal 

keel present. Ventral surface of lIver striatcd. S\\im bladder pre em 

COLOR: Back dark blue or black, 10l-lcr sides and bdly Iher) \\hite \\ith (olorlc tran \cr e hne alternallng 

with rows of colorless dots (the latter dominate in older fish) \I iblc onl) 1/1 're h r<Xlmen ; first dorsal tin }cllo\\ or 

bluish, second reddish brown; anal fin and finlets dusk) Icllo\\ edged \\lIh blad,. latcral ked bla~ In aduhs. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPE I O( RRI:-;C. I~ THEe \RI A. 

Scomberomorus spp.: corselet not developed, enlarged cales not e tending past basc of pedoral fin (cor elet 

present but not very distinct in Thunnus spp.); ma'Jlla long. at least c. tending to a lertlcal under po tenor 

margin of pupil (maxilla short, not extending to a vertical under posterior margin of rurtl in Thufll1l1S "pp.). teeth 

compressed (small and conical in T. I. Ihynnus). 

Auxis spp.: dorsal fin interspace at least as long as base of tim doral fin (interspace shon in Thllnnlls 'pp.); Interpelvic process composed of a single large lobe (small and bilobed In Thllnl111S spp.). 

Sarda sarda: stripes on back extending forward under origin of first dorsal fin (back I, a morc or Ie blue or black 

gradually turning silvery white on sides in T. I. Ihynnus); outline of fir t dor al fin almost straIght (outlIne of first 

dorsal fin strikingly concave In Thllnnus spp.). 

Katsll won us pelamis: four to six conspicuous longitudinal dark bands which in IiI e pecimen; ma) appear as dl -

continuous lines of dark blotches on belly (belly with alternating columns of lrans"er~e lines and dot in T I. 

thynnus); 53-63 gill rakers on first arch (34-43 gill rakers III T. I. Ihynnus). 

Euthynnus allelteralus: a complicated mottled pattern of lines or bars on back, extending fon\ard beyond middle 

of first dorsal fin (back is a more or less uniform metallic dark blue to black In Thunnus spp.). 

Thunnus spp.: other species of Thunnus have fewer gill rakers, at most 33 on the first arch (34-43 in T. I. Ihynnus); 

pectoral fins much longer reaching at leaM to space between dorsal fins (do not reach beyond base of first dorsal 

fin in T. I. thynnus). 

Further distinguishing characters of the species of Thunnus are the following: 

Thunnus alalunga: caudal fin with a distinct white margin; body depth greatest more postenorly, near origin of 

second dorsal and anal fins. 

Thunnus albacares: ventral surface of liver without striations; dorsal and anal fins bright yello .... and becoming 

very elongated in large specimens. 

Thunnus at/anticus: ventral surface of liver without striations. 

SIZE: Occasionally over 300 cm FL; common to 200 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A North Atlantic subspecies which is known from Labrador and Newfoundland southward throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea to northeastern 

Brazil. 

42 

out into a long projection, bears very fine teeth, and is tapered at the end. The upper jaw is greatly depressed, ovoid, 

and almost flat in the Xiphiidae, and in the Istiophoridae it is more or less round in cross section . Six species in four 

genera are taken in the western Atlantic. Additional information regarding the species of billfishes in the western 

Atlantic is contained in Miyake and Hayasi (1972), Shomura and Williams (1974), and Fischer (1978). 

/stiophorus piatypterus (Shaw and Nodder) 

COMMON NAME: Sailfish. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and more or less compressed. Upper jaw drawn out into a long 

projection which is round in cross section. Two dorsal fins separated by a small interspace; the first high, saillike, 

higher than body depth throughout most of its length, consisting of 47-47 rays. Two anal fins, the second smaller 

than the first and similar in size and shape to the second dorsal fin. Pelvic fins consisting of 1 spine and 2 rays forming a long filament, reaching almost to the anus. Lateral line visible, arched above pectoral fin. Body covered with 

narrow scales which bear blunt points. 

COLOR: Body dark blue dorsally changing to a brownish blue on sides and then to silvery white on belly. First 

dorsal fin blue black, covered with many small black spots; other fins brown black; about 20 vertical bars consisting 

of several small pale blue spots present on sides of body. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

All other species of Istiophoridae: dorsal fin not saillike in that its anterior part is at most slightly higher than body 

depth and the fin gradually slopes downward posteriorly (there is a slight increase in height posteriorly to a point 

over the anus, then the outline of the fin rapidly curves downward in Istiophorus). The pelvic fins of other species 

are much shorter, terminating a good distance from the anus. 

SIZE: To 3 m TL; common to 2.5 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A worldwide tropical and temperate species found throughout the western 

Atlantic, as far north as the Gulf of Maine, throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, south to 

southern Brazil. 

Makaira indica (Cuvier) 

COMMON NAME: Black marlin. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate, not strongly compressed. Upper jaw drawn out into a long projection which is round in cross section. Two dorsal fi ns separated by a small interspace; the first with 38-42 rays is 

highest anteriorly, but not as high as body depth at midbody, rapidly sloping downward above the pectoral fin and 

continuing posteriorly with a low profile. Two anal fins, the second smaller than the first and similar in size and 

shape to the second dorsal fin. Pelvic fins consisting of 1 spine and 2 rays, shorter than pectoral fins. Pectoral fins 

extend away from body, rigid, cannot be folded back against sides of body. Tips of first dorsal, first anal, and p~c

44 
toral fins more or less pointed. Lateral line indistinct but single. Body covered with narrow scales ending in one or 

two sharp points. 

COLOR: Body blackish dark blue changing to silvery white on belly. First dorsal fin dark blue, usually unspotted; 

other fins brown black; no marks or blotches on body. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

/stiophorus pIa typ terus: dorsal fin is saillike, its height much greater than maximum body depth throughout most 

of its length; pelvic fins long, reaching past the pectoral fins almost to the anus (pelvic fins shorter than pectoral 

fins in M. indica). 

Makaira nigricans: pectoral fins movable, can be folded back along sides of body (pectoral fins rigid, extend away 

from body, and cannot be folded back in M. indica). Lateral line system reticulate (single in M. indica). Body 

pigmentation consisting of about IS vertical bars of pale blue spots (no marks or blotches on body in M. indica). 

Tetrapturus albidus: height of anterior part of first dorsal fin nearly equal to body depth at midbody (height of 

first dorsal fin much less than body depth at midbody in M. indica); tips of first dorsal, first anal, and pectoral 

fins rounded (more or less pointed in M. indica). 

Tetrapturus pfluegeri: height of anterior part of first dorsal fin slightly greater than body depth at midbody (height 

of dorsal fin shorter than body depth at midbody in M. indica); usually 44-50'rays in first dorsal fin (38-42 in M. 

indica); scales ending in several points (ending in one or two points in M. indica). 

SIZE: To 4.6 m TL; common to 3 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A tropical and temperate Indian and Pacific Ocean species which may occasionally stray into the Atlantic Ocean (W. J. Richards2) . 

Makaira nigricans Lacepede 

COMMON NAME: Blue marlin. 

2w. J. Richards, Southeast Fisheries Center Miami Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, MIami, 

FL 33149, pers. commun. February 1978. 

45 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate, 110t \trong ly wmpre~~ed U ppcr jaw drav.n out Into a long projection which is round in cross ection. Two dorsal fim separa ted by a ~rnall Inter\pal:l, the Ilr\t v.llh 41 43 rays is 

highest anteriorly, but not a high as body depth at midbody, rapidly .,Iopln' dov.nward above the pectoral lin and 

continuing posteriorly with a low profile . Two anal rim, the sccond .,maller than thl 11(\t alld lin dar in ~l/e and 

shape to the second dorsal fin. PelvIc rms comlsllng of I spille and 2 ray", .,honer than pl'l;toral IJI1 ~ IIp\ 01 Ilr\t 

dorsal, first anal, and pectoral fins more or less pointcd I aterallinc retil:ulatc, hard to \ee in large ~pc imcl1\ Body 

covered with narrow scales ending in olle or two sharp POll1ts. 

COLOR: Body dark blue to chocolate brown dorsally dlallgll1g 10 ,d\ery v.hlle ()n belly. hr t dor\.l\ 1m blue 

black, usually unspotted; other fms brov.n black, body v.ith about 15 \ertlcal bars con i ling 01 pall' blue pOI~. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS or SIMILAR ' 1'[ III S ()(( 1I1<1< 1i"(, I:" IIIL AI<l 

/stiophorus platypterus: first dorsal fin IS ~ailhke, its hClghl rnul;h gn.''ltcr Ihall the ma Imum bod) deplh Ihroughout most of its length; pelvic fins long, reachmg pasl pect! r..tl lins almo 110 dnl! (pclvi I III shortcr I han pcctoral 

fins in M. nigricans); lateral line simple, nOI rcti.:ulale. 

Tetrapturus albidus: height of anterior part of fir t dors..tl lin nC.lfI\ l'ljl!..tl 10 bod} deplh al mldbod} (hel ttl or 

first dorsal fin much less than body depth at midbod) in If. 1/1 'nwtl\); lipS (>1 Ilr I dor I. IIr I ,.tOal, ..tnd pc toral 

fins rounded (more or less pointed In \/. fIIgncan.l); lateral hne simple, nOI retl\.ulale, 

Tetrapturus pfluegeri: height or anterior part III fir t d(lr al 1111 shghtl\ grealer thdn bod) deplh al rllldbod) (helghl 

of Jorsal fin shorter than body depth at midbody H1.\I fIIlinwflS), II uall} 44 50 ra} In Iu" dor'>3l tin (~1-43 In 

M. nigricans); anus placed well in front of ongln 01 fir t anal fill (near ongm of t Ir I an..tl flO III \/ IllfiIrICUIIS); 

lateral line sinlple, not reticulate; \.:alc, endll1g 111 \e\cral pOintS len 109 10 one or t\\O IX)lrtl 111 .\/ fIIgncun5) 

SIZE: To 4 m TL; common to 3.5 m. 

GEOGRAPH IC DISTRIBUTION. A..n tlanll( pecIc,. lound lhrou hout the we tern \11<1nll o\.~a lon311) 

far north as the Gulf of taane. Most .:ommon in the Gull 01 \It: I~O, the (an bean e •. and 011 outhcrn Hralli. 

Tetrapturus albidus Poey 

--

COMMON NAME: White marlin . 

~E~CRIPTI~E CHARACTERS: . Body elongate and laterally compressed. Upper jaw drawn out Into a long projectIOn which IS round 10 cross section . Two dorsal fins separated by a small interspace; the fir t \\ Ilh 38-46 rays i 

high~st .anteriorly,. nearly. equal to body depth at midbody, rapidly loping dow nward above the pectoral fins 'and 

contanumg postenorly wah a low prof tie. Two anal fins, the second smaller than the first and similar in size and 

shape t~ the second. dorsal fin. Pelvic fins consisting of I spine and 2 rays nearly equal in length to pectoral fin. Tip 

o.f the first dorsal, flr.st anal, and pectoral fms are rounded. Laleralline simple, not reticulate, arched above pectoral 

fm, then almost straight to tail. Anus close to origin of first anal fin. Body covered with narrow scales which bear 

single sharp points. 

COLOR: Body dar~ blue to chocolate brown on the back changing to a silvery white on the belly. First dorsal fin 

blue black covered With small black spots; other fins brown black; usually no spots or bars on body. 

46 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Telraplurus sp.: an unnamed Atlantic marlin commonly referred to as the "hatchet marlin" is known only from a 

few reports. No specimens have been preserved. It can be distinguished from T. albtdus and other Atlantic species 

of billfishes by having rounded instead of pointed scales. The anterior part of the dorsal fin is flat or "hatchetshaped" in front instead of being rounded or pointed (Robins 1974). If a specimen of this fish is taken, it should 

be frozen or preserved intact and the local fisheries officer should be notified. 

Telrapturus pfluegeri: first dorsal fin higher posteriorly; anus placed well in front of first anal fin (near origin of 

first anal fin in T. albidus); scales ending in several points (end in a single point in T. albidus). 

Makaira nigricans: height of anterior part of first dorsal fin less than body depth at midbody (nearly equal to body 

depth at midbody in T. albidus); tips of first dorsal, first anal, and pectoral fins pointed (more or less rounded in 

T. albidus); lateral line reticulate. 

/sliophorus plalyplerus: first dorsal fin saillike, its height much greater than body depth throughout most of its 

length; pelvic fins very long, reaching almost to anus. 

SIZE: To 3 m TL; common to 2.5 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A tropical and temperate species of the Atlantic Ocean, found throughout 

the western Atlantic, occasionally as far north as Nova Scotia. Most common off Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, 

and the Caribbean Sea. Taken off South America as far south as Argentina. 

Tetrapturus pfluegeri Robins and de Sylva 

COMMON NAME: Longbill spearfish. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and laterally compressed. Upper jaw drawn out into a long projection which is round in cross section. Two dorsal fins separated by a small interspace; the fust with 44-50 rays is 

highest anteriorly, slightly greater than body depth at midbody, continues posteriorly, and maintains a relatively high 

profile until it dips toward base of second dorsal fin. Two anal fins, the second smaller than the first and similar in 

size and shape to second dorsal fin. Pelvic fins consisting of I spine and 2 rays, slightly longer than pectoral fms. 

Tips of first dorsal, first anal, and pectoral fins rounded. Lateral line simple, not reticulate, arched above pectoral 

fin, then almost straight to tail. Anus well in front of origin of first anal fin. Body covered with narrow scales which 

bear several points. 

COLOR: Body dark blue dorsally changing to silvery white on belly. First dorsal fm blue black, spots absent; 

other fin brown black; usually no spots or bars present on body. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Tetrapturus albidus: first dorsal fin lower posteriorly; anus placed near the origin of the fust anal fin (well in front 

'of origin of first anal fin in T. pfluegen); scales ending in single points. 

Makaira nigricans: height of anterior part of first dorsal less than body depth at midbody (slightly greater than 

body depth at midbody in T. pjluegen); u ually 41-43 rays in fust dorsal fin (44-50 in T. pfluegen); anus placed 

near origin of first anal fin; lateral line reticulate. 

/stiophorus plalypterus: first dorsal fin saillike, its height greater than body depth throughout most of its length, 

covered with numerous black spots; pelvic fins very long, almost reaching to anus; scales ending in single points. 

SIZE: To 2 m TL; common to 1.6 m. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: A tropical and temperate species of the Atlantic Ocean, found throughout 

the western Atlantic as far north as New Jersey. Common in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and off the 

coast of Venezuela. Also recorded frem the central and South Atlantic Ocean. 

47 
Xiphias g/adius Linnaeus 

COMMON NAME: Broadbill swordfish. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and more or less rounded, robust in front. Upper jaw drawn out 

into a long projection which is ovoid, almost flat, in cross section. Mouth not protrusible; teeth absent from jaws in 

adults. Gill openings large, membrane attached to isthmus at a point almost under the eye; gill rakers absent. Two 

dorsal fins separated by.a large interspace in adults but joined in juvenile specimens. Pelvic fins absent. A single 

strong lateral keel present on each side of the caudal peduncle. Lateral line not visible. Scales absent in adults, but 

scalelike structures are present in juveniles. 

COLOR: Back and upper sides brownish black, lower sides and belly light brown. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Species of Istiophoridae: upper jaw drawn out into a long projection which is more or less round in cross section 

(dorsoventrally depressed appearing ovoid to flat in Xiphias); gill membranes united to each other under opercle 

but free from isthmus (membranes attached to isthmus at a point almost under the eye in Xiphias); two dorsal 

fins separated by a small interspace (dorsal fins separated by large interspace in adult Xiphias); pelvic fins present; 

2 keels on each side of caudal peduncle; lateral line usually visible and scales present (scales absent in adult 

Xiphias). 

SIZE: To 450 cm; common to 220 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide in tropical and temperate waters; found in the western Atlantic 

from Nova Scotia to Argentina. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

I thank Walter Fischer for making available prepublication 

sections of the FAO Species Identification Sheets (Fischer 1978) 

on which many of the accounts are based. Many of the figures 

were taken from the literature (Bigelow and Schroeder 1948; 

Fischer 1978). Original drawings and graphics were prepared by 

Keiko Hiratsuka Moore. Rose Russo provided valuable editorial 

assistance in the preparation of the manuscript. Drafts of this 

manuscript were reviewed by F. H. Berry, D. M. Cohen, B. B. 

Collette, W. 1. Richards, and D. P. de Sylva. 

LITERATURE CITED 

BAILEY, R. M., J. E. FITCH, E. S. HERALD, E. A. LACHNER, C. C. 

LINDSEY, C. R. ROBINS, and W. B. SCOTT. 

1970. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United 

States and Canada (third edillon). Am. Fish. Soc. Spec. Publ. 6, 149 p. 

BIGELOW, H. B, and W. C. SCHROEDER. 

1948. Sharks. In Fishes of the western North Atlantic, p. 59-576. Mem. 

Sears Found. Mar. Res. I (part I). 

1953. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. Bull. 53, 

577 p. 

48 

CASEY, J. G. 

1964. Angler's guide to sharks of the northeastern United States, Maine t 

Chesapeake Bay. U.S. Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., Circ. 179,32 p. 

COLLETTE, B. B., and L. N. CHAO. 

1975. Systematics and morphology of the bonitos (Sardo) and their relative 

(Scombridae, Sardini). Fish. BuU., U.S. 73:5 16-625. 

COLLETTE, B. B. , J. L. RUSSO, and L. A. ZAVALA-CAMI 

1978. Scomberomorus brasiliensis, a new species of Spanish mackerel fro 

the western Atlantic. Fish. Bull., U.S. 76:273-280. 

FISCHER, W. (editor). 

1978. FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Cen 

tral Atlantic (Fishing Area 31), 7 vols. F.A.O., Rome. 

GIBBS, R. H., Jr. , and B. B. COLLETTE. 

1959. On the identification, distribution, and biology of the dolphins Coryphaena hippurus and C. equiselis. Bull. Mar. Sci. Gulf Caribb. 9: 117-152. 

1967. Comparative anatomy and systematics of the tunas, genus Thunnus. 

U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. BUll. 66:65-130. 

GIBBS, R. H. , Jr., and N. J. WILIMOVSKY. 

1966. Family Alepisauridae. In Fishes of the western orth Atlantic, p. 482-

497. Mem. Sears Found. Mar. Res. I (part 5). 

GUDGER, E. W. 

1930. The opah or moonfish, Lampris luna, on the eastern coast of North 

America. Am. Nat. 64:168-178. 

HEEMSTRA, P. C. 

1965. A field key to the Florida sharks. Fla. Board Conserv. Mar. Res. Lab. , 

Tech. Ser. 45, II p. 

Xiphias gladius Linnaeus 

COMMON NAME: Broadbill swordfish. 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS: Body elongate and more or less rounded, robust in front. Upper jaw drawn out 

into a long projection which is ovoid, almost flat, in cross section. Mouth not protrusible; teeth absent from jaws in 

adults. Gill openings large, membrane attached to isthmus at a point almost under the eye; gill rak ers absent. Two 

dorsal fins separated by a large interspace in adults but joined in juvenile specimens. Pelvic fins absent. A single 

strong lateral keel present on each side of the caudal peduncle. Lateral line not visible. Scales absent in adults, but 

scalelike structures are present in juveniles. 

COLOR: Back and upper sides brownish black, lower sides and belly light brown. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA: 

Species of Istiophoridae: upper jaw drawn out into a long projection which is more or less round in cross section 

(dorsoventrally depressed appearing ovoid to flat in Xiphias); gill membranes united to each other under opercle 

but free from isthmus (membranes attached to isthmus at a point almost under the eye in Xiphias); two dorsal 

fins separated by a small interspace (dorsal fins separated by large interspace in adult Xiphias); pelvic fins present; 

2 keels on each side of caudal peduncle; lateral line usually visible and scales present (scales absent in adult 

Xiphias). 

SIZE: To 450 cm; common to 220 cm. 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide in tropical and temperate waters; found in the western Atlantic 

from Nova Scotia to Argentina. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

I thank Walter Fischer for making available prepublication 

sections of the FAO Species Identification Sheets (Fischer 1978) 

on which many of the accounts are based. Many of the figures 

were taken from the literature (Bigelow and Schroeder 1948; 

Fischer 1978). Original drawings and graphics were prepared by 

Keiko Hiratsuka Moore. Rose Russo provided valuable editorial 

assistance in the preparation of the manuscript. Drafts of this 

manuscript were reviewed by F. H. Berry, D. M. Cohen, B. B. 

Collette, W. 1. Richards, and D. P. de Sylva. 

LITERATURE CITED 

BAILEY, R. M., J. E. FITCH, E. S. HERALD, E. A. LACHNER, C. C. 

LINDSEY, C. R. ROBINS, and W. B. SCOTT. 

1970. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United 

States and Canada (third edition). Am. Fish. Soc. Spec. Publ. 6, 149 p. 

BIGELOW, H. B., and W. C. SCHROEDER. 

1948. Sharks. In Fishes of the western North Atlantic, p. 59-576. Mem. 

Sears Found. Mar. Res. I (part I). 

1953. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. Bull. 53, 

577 p. 

48 

CASEY, J. G. 

1964. Angler's guide to sharks of the northeastern United States, Maine t 

Chesapeake Bay. U.S. Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., Circ. 179, 32 p. 

COLLETTE, B. B., and L. N. CHAO. 

1975. Systematics and morphology of the bonitos (Sarda) and their relatives 

(Scombridae, Sardini). Fish. Bull., U.S. 73.516-625. 

COLLETTE, B. B., J. L. RUSSO, and L. A. ZAVALA-CAMI 

1978. Scomberomorus brasiliensis, a new specie of Spanish mackerel from 

the western Atlantic. Fish. Bull., U.S. 76:273-280. 

FISCHER, W. (editor). 

1978. FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Central Atlantic (Fishing Area 31),7 vols. F.A.O., Rome. 

GIBBS, R. H., Jr., and B. B. COLLETTE. 

1959. On the identification, distribution, and biology of the dolphins Coryphaena hippurus and C. equiselis. Bull. Mar. Sci. Gu lf Caribb. 9: 117-152. 

1967. Comparative anatomy and systematics of the tunas, genus Thunnus. 

U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. Bull. 66:65-130. 

GIBBS, R. H., Jr., and N. J. WILlMOVSKY. 

1966. Family Alepisauridae. In Fishes of the western North Atlantic, p. 482-

497. Mem. Sears Found. Mar. Res. I (part 5). 

GUDGER, E. W. 

1930. The opah or moonfish, Lampris luna, on the eastern coast of North 

America. Am. Nat. 64:168-178. 

HEEMSTRA, P. C. 

1965. A field key to the Florida sharks. Fla. Board Conserv. Mar. Res. Lab., 

Tech. Ser. 45, II p. 
I HRA ND, S. I ,and \~ ( SC HROeOLR 

~2M I "he 01 he'"peake Ha). Bull S. Ilur. [I>h . 43( I I, 3HH p. 

Reprint ed 1972 by J.[ .II Publ. , Inc., Neplune, N J , v.llh nev. prelace. 

l B\RA , 10. • and r. IW I. 

~5X. AnJlllmy and relallon ,hiP' 01 Ihe Japane,,, I"he, 01 Ihe 'amil) Gem· 

pyhdJe Mom Coli Agnc lo. yolO Un". I "h. Ser, Spec No., June 

19~H :23 54 

Llf, R A, and S. N TIHBO 

63 An occurrence 01 opah, Lumpm r~X/U5 (Bonnalerre), In Ihe nOnhlH"i1 

Allanllc J I "h Re, . Board Can 201097·109<J 

,G. W. 

72 Hram ldae. Dana Rep. 8 I, 166 p. 

L, M , and S HAYAS I 

72. I Icld manual for 'lall\II(, and ,amphng 01 Atlanuc lUna, and lUna· 

like I"he,. Int Comm. Con, All. Tuna" "'!adnd, Spalll, 114 p. 

(U nnumben J). 

ROBI"'>, ( R 

1'174 B,lill<h "1<,log\ fact I.)r Ihe Ii hcrm n Inl \Iar n cr ~) 4 P 

S(H\~o'\RrL,~ . H, anJ G. H BURt, 

1975. Shar~ 01 "orth Carohna nd ad)a COl "alers [)cp I [ D 

Resour, 01\ 'tar. f I h ,Inf er, 57 p 

SH()\1 RA, R. ., and f. ~ II I 1,\\1S (oollor ) 

1974 ['roccedmg' 01 Ihe IntCrnallonal Bilil h 5ympo lum,. ":on., 

liav.all ,9 12 o'\ugu't 1972 Part 2. R"'lc,," and contnbuled paper L 

Ocp Commer, "0 \A T«h Rep . \11 ~RI 6' , H( P 

WATH"IL, F. 

1959 Summar) report 01 C\ploratory long-hnc flSlung lor t 

'!(\lCO and (anbbean Sea, 1954 1957 (ommer I ISh Rcv 

\\IL50 ,P (, and \1. R. HARTl ~TT. 

1%7. In\entor) 01 e'plorator} longlmc Ii hmg effort and cal 

for tuna, and ,"ordll,h 111 the nonhllocslcrn Atlanuc, 1'1 7 ('5 

\\ Iidl Say .. Spec Set Rep. h'h 543, 52 p. 

ull of 
( 

INDEX 

Acanthocybium solandri . ...................... . ....... 30 king mackerel .... . ...... . ... .. ... . . . . . .. ....... . ... .. 35 

albacore ........................................ . ... 38 Lamna nasus .......... ... .................. .. .. ..... 9 

Alepisauridae ....... .. ............................... 12 Lamprididae ........ .. ............... . ... .. ..... ..... 14 

Alepisaurus Lampris guttatus ..... .. .. . ................ .. ..... . ... 14 

brevirostris ........................................ 12 lancetfishes ...... . .. ... ........................ . . ... . 12 

ferox ............................................. 13 Lepidocybium flavobrunneum ........................ .. 24 

almaco jack .. ...... ...................... . ... . . .. .. . 23 little tunny ...... ........................... : .... ... . 32 

amberjack (see greater amberjack) longbill spearfish ......... . ...... . .................... 47 

Atlantic bonito ....................................... 33 long fin mako . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 

Atlantic pomfret ..................................... 15 longnose lancetfish .......................... ... .. . ... 13 

Auxis Makaira 

rochei ............ .. ... . .................. . . ... ... 30 indica . ........................ ........ ........ ... 44 

thazard ........................................... 31 nigricans ... . ...................................... 45 

barracuda ........................................... 18 mako sharks .............. .. .. ............ . ........ 7,8 

bigeye tuna .. .... .......... .. ............ . ........... 40 marlin 

bigscale pomfret ...................................... 16 black .................. ........................... 44 

billfishes .... ... . . . . ............ ... .................. 43 blue ............................ .................. 45 

blackfin tuna ........................................ 39 white ............. .......................... ...... 46 

black marlin ................................. ........ 44 northern bluefin tuna ........... .......... ... ... . . .... 41 

bluefin tuna (see northern bluefin tuna) oilfish .................. .. ............. ..... .. ...... 25 

blue marlin. . . .. . ..... ... .. ... ... . .................. 45 opah .......... . ..... ............................... 14 

blue runner . ... . . . ................................... 21 pomfrets ............................... .. .. ......... 15 

blue shark ............ ... ............................ 10 pompano dolphin ...... ............................ . . 17 

bonito (see Atlantic bonito) 

Brama brama ...... ... ........... .. ............ . ..... 15 

porbeagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 

Prionace glauca .................... ............ .. : . .. 9 

Bramidae ......................... . ................. 15 rainbow runner ......................... ... ......... . 21 

broadbill swordfish ................................... 48 requiem sharks. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ..... . ................ . 5 

bullet mackerel (see bullet tuna) Ruvettuspretiosus ........................... .... ..... 25 

bullettuna .............. . . . ..... . .. . ........... .. ... 31 sailfish . .... ...... .. ..... ............... .. ....... . . .. 44 

Carangidae ............ . ............................. 19 Sarda sarda . ................ .. ..... .... . ............. 33 

Caranxcrysos .... .................................... 21 scalloped hammerhead ................. ............... 10 

Carcharhinus ................ . . .. ........... . ........ 5 Scomberomorus 

Carcharodon carcharias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 brasiliensis ..... . .... . .... ......................... 34 

cero ...................... . ............ .. .... .... ... 37 cavalla . ............................... ............ 35 

common dolphin ............ . .................... .. .. 18 maculatus .......... . ......................... .. ... 36 

Coryphaena regalis ........................................ .... 37 

equise/is .......................................... 17 Scombridae .......................... ............... 25 

hippurus ................ . .................. . .. . ... 18 Seriola 

Coryphaenidae ............. . ................. . . . . . ... 17 dumerili .................................... .. .... 22 

dolphins ......... . ........ . . .. .......... ... . . .. .. . . . 17 rivoliana ...................................... .... 23 

Elagatis bipinnulata . .................................. 21 serra Spanish mackerel .............. . ............ ..... 34 

escolar ................ . ...... ... ................... 24 sharks ................... . .............. ........... , 2 

Euthynnus alletteratus . . .. ..................... ..... ... 32 shortfin mako .. . . ... ............... .... .......... . .. . 

frigate mackerel (see frigate tuna) shortnose lancetfish .................. ..... ... .. ... . ... 12 

frigate tuna ............................ .. . .... ....... 31 skipjack tuna ... .. ............................ ....... 33 

Galeocerdo cuvier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6 smooth hammerhead ....... .. .. . ...................... II 

Gasterochisma melampus ... .... ........... ........ .. .. 23 snake mackerels ... ...................... .......... ... 23 

Gempylidae ......................................... 23 Spanish mackerel .......................... .. ......... 36 

great barracuda ......... . ........ . .... . ............ 18,19 spearfish, longbill ......... .. ..................... .... 47 

greater amberjack ...... . .............. .. .... : ........ 22 Sphyraena barracuda . ......................... . ...... . 19 

hammerhead sharks ... . .............. .. ...... . ....... . 10 Sphyraenidae .............. . ....... .. ...... . . . .. .. .. . 18 

hatchet marlin ... .. .......... .... . ................... 47 Sphyrna 

lstiophoridae ..................................•... 43,44 lewini . ..... .. ................... .. ..... .. ... . . . . .. 10 

/stiophorus platypterus ................................ 44 zygaena . . .. ....... ..... ..................... .. . ... 11 

/surus Sphyrnidae ................................... ... .. . . 10 

oxyrinchus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7 swordfish (see broadbill swordfish) . 

paucus . ........... . . . . . . . . . ....... . . .............. 8 Taractichthys longipinnis ............. . ..... .... . ...... 16 

jacks ............................................... 19 Tetrapturus 

Katsuwonuspelamis . ... . . . ........... . . ............ .. 33 albidus ... ....... .......... ........ ............... 46 

50 
flfhl('I!l!rt 

I hI/lillI/I 

ulull/lI/.!,u . 

ulhuc 'UI£'1 

utlunOel/1 

ohl!llIl . 

thl'llIllIl IIH'IIIIl/I ..... ....... . 

tIger \hal k . 

tuna and rnackcrelli"e r"hc ~ 

tuna 

bigcye ., ... . 

blaeUln .. 

nOlthern bluclln 

'''IPlac'' . . 

ydlo",rln . 

wahoo 

. 47 

17 

Jli 

:1':1 

. 40 

.41 

. 7 

25 

",hite marlin . . ... . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... .. 

40 

39 

41 

JJ 

1H 

30 

46 

",llIte \har" ...... . .......... . 6 

. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ... .... .48 

Xiphiidac .......... .. ..... . . ... 43,48 

yellowrin luna ... . .. . . ... ~ 

o u , 1