Bluefish

Introduction: Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are also known as elf, shad and tailor. It has a streamlined appearance due to an elongated and slightly compressed body. Pomatomus refers to their serrated operculum (gill cover) and saltatrix means 'one who dances'. It is one of the fiercest marine predators, mainly due to exceptionally sharp teeth on a large, downward slanting mouth with a undershot lower jaw.

Distribution: Möwe Bay, Torra Bay, Terrace Bay, Luderitz, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Diet: Feeds in shoals over sandy sea-beds, hunting by sight for anchovies, pilchards and pinkies

Colouration: Overall silvery sheen with light green on the upper flanks and dorsal surface. The underside is white. After death the colour changed to blue, hence the name.

Breeding: Migrates each winter spawning in the spring

Max size: 100cm. Max weight: 10kg