Bonefish

Name:

Bonefish

Characteristics:

The bonefish is the type species of the Albulidae family, or bonefishes in order Albuliformes. It is amphidromous, living in inshore tropical waters, moving onto shallow tidal flats to feed with the incoming tide, and retreating to deeper water as the tide ebbs. Juvenile bonefish may be observed in large shoals of like-sized individuals with large mature fish swimming in smaller groups or in pairs. Bonefish are considered to be among the world's premier Fly game fish and are highly sought after by anglers. Bonefish are primarily caught for sport. They are not commonly eaten.

Fish Habits:

Bonefish feed on benthic worms, fry, crustaceans, and molluscs. Ledge sporting currents; drop-offs along the edge and clean, healthy seagrass beds produce abundant small crabs and shrimp to nourish the bonefish. Bonefish may follow stingrays, looking for small prey items disturbed by the rooting rays.

Adult Size:

Weight up to 10 kilograms (22 lb), Length to 104 centimeters (40.9 in). Silvery in color with dusky fins—the bases of the pectoral fins are yellow. They primarily form schools, although some of the larger individuals travel singly or in schools.

The bonefish, also known as "phantom" or "gray ghost", is probably pound for pound the strongest and fastest moving animal of any salt-water fish. Bonefishing is a shallow-water pursuit done in depths ranging from 8 inches to several feet of water.

This fish may improve its tolerance to oxygen-poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like airbladder.

Fishing Tactics:

Fly fishing for bonefish is more popular today, but spinning with bait, lures or a combination is also done. Commonly used fly patterns include the Crazy Charlie, Gotcha and Bitters. Some bait fisherman use chum to attract fish.

Live Shrimp and crabs are some of the most effective baits for this species.

Distribution:

Bonefish are found in warm seas worldwide. They primarily inhabit shallow sand and grass flats of warm tropical waters, but also spend a good amount of their lives in deep water, up to 1,000 feet (300 m) in depth.