Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, robust; snout pointed; color dark blue on back with wavy broken stripes on back starting at middle of 1st dorsal fin; silvery to white below, dark spots between pelvic and pectoral fins; series of small finlets behind dorsal and anal fin; tail lunate in shape; caudal peduncle narrow with prominent keel (ridge); 2 smaller keels at base of caudal fin; has 2 flaps separating pelvic fins (interpelvic process); body not scaled except for corselet (area behind head and around pectoral fins) and lateral line. |
Similar Species |
Atlantic bonito has whole, nearly horizontal stripes on upper body. |
Habitat |
Gulf |
Maximum Size |
122 cm (4 ft), common to 80 cm (31 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XIV-XVI+12+VIII (finlets); A. II,12+VII (fInlets) (explain) |
Other Common Names |
bonito, false albacore |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Because of the common name "bonito", this fish is often mistaken for the Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |