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Butterfish (Peprilus simillimus) — Stromateidae

Butterfish

Peprilus simillimus
Family: Stromateidae
LC · Least Concern

The Butterfish (Peprilus simillimus) is a saltwater fish of the family Stromateidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
9.0–91.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Pacific pompano is a butterfish (Stromateidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery, almost round body without pelvic fins. It is common on sand bottoms of exposed coasts, usually in shallow water near shore, where it often forms small but fairly dense schools. It feeds on small zooplankton and jellyfish. It is a valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Butterfish?

The Butterfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Butterfish live?

The Butterfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Butterfish get?

The Butterfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Butterfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Butterfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Butterfish edible?

Yes, the Butterfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische botervis sourced
English name
Butterfish verified
Scientific name
Peprilus simillimus
Family
Stromateidae
Other names
California pompano; Pacific butterfish; Pacific pompano verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
9.0 verified
Max depth (m)
91.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Peprilus

More from the family Stromateidae

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