Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, highly compressed, ribbon-like, no scales, color silver; lower jaw protrudes past upper jaw; mouth large, fang-like teeth; single dorsal fin running from head to almost end of body; pelvic fins and anal fins absent; caudal fin absent, tail end pointed; minute single spines along belly from anus to tail. |
Similar Species |
Other cutlassfishes in the Atlantic and Gulf have forked tails. The Atlantic cutlassfish has no caudal fin, tail just tapers to a point. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
234 cm (7 3/4 ft), common to 100 cm (3 1/3 ft) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 130-135 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
ribbonfish |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |