Pomatomus saltatrix, the blue fish, belongs to the family Pomatomidae and is the only extant species of that family. Bluefish are known as the aggressive fish of the ocean. Bluefish is a pelagic game fish. Bluefish, also commonly known as,

• Tailor
• Elfs
• Choppers
• Baby blues
• Snapper

General Characteristics:

Body Color and Body Shape:

Blue fish is greenish-blue in color, while the belly and lower sides are silver-white. The fish has a long proportioned body with a broad forked tail.

Body Size and Body Weight:

Bluefish grow 40-45 inches (1.2-1.8 meters) in length and weight ranges to about 25-30 pounds.

Fins:

The blue fish has two large dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is folded back and has spines, while the second dorsal fin is larger than the first.

The tail fin is forked. The pectoral fin has a black spot at its base.

Teeth:

The fish has strong pointed sharp teeth, but all teeth are uniform in size. The jaws are stronger.

Habitat and Distribution of Bluefish:

Blue fish are warm water migratory fish and prefer the water with temperature ranges between 45 and 80 degrees. Bluefish are present in temperate and subtropical waters. They can be found near surf beaches, rocky headlands, brackish waters, estuaries. 

Bluefish are distributed along the continental shelves. They are present commonly in the Atlantic, Black sea, Southeast Asia, Mediterranean Sea, Indian oceans, New Zealand, Australia, and eastern America. In winters, they are found in Florida, while in summers, they migrate north. 

Feeding of Bluefish:

As young blue fish eat plankton but being adults, they are piscivorous predators. Blue fish are good swimmers, and it is dangerous to be around bluefish. They remain in small schools and eat 

• Shrimps
• Squids
• Grunts
• Weakfish
• Striped anchovies
• Small bluefish

Predators of Bluefish:

Despite being aggressive predators, they are attacked by different predators,

While young, they are attacked by,

• Summer flounder
• Striped bass
• Larger bluefish

As adults, bluefish are hunted by,

• Porpoises
• Sharks
• Dolphins
• Sea lions
• Seals
• Billfish
• Tuna

Life Cycle of Bluefish:

The lifespan of the blue fish is 15 years, and summer is the spawning season. The female bluefish released about 2 million eggs, and after 48 hours, eggs hatched into 0.08 inches juveniles.

Bluefish Fishing:

Before going to the discussion about how to catch bluefish, you must know about the best time for bluefish fishing, 

The best time to have better opportunities is the time of dim light in the early morning and dusk.

Bluefish Fishing Tips:

• Before starting fishing, check the ideal spot by looking at the fishing maps or sea birds and the tidal movements. The low tides are the feeding opportunities for the bluefish.
• Be sure you have appropriate tackle as they are good fighters; you must have wire ladders, a perfect fishing reel, artificial lures, and live baits.
• The most suitable methods of bluefish fishing are Gillnet, hook and line, and some trawl. Trolling is the best method, and you can find fish in inlets, rips, and shoals.
• Handling your catch is also very important. Be careful and not put your hands near the mouth and immediately pack your fish in ice.

Bluefish as Food:

Blue fish is a famous food fish and has a rich taste. The fish can be grilled and smoked. The rich flavor meat of bluefish is a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, omega 3 fatty acids, niacin, potassium, magnesium.