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Airfin lookdown (Selene brevoortii) — Carangidae

Airfin lookdown

Selene brevoortii
Family: Carangidae
LC · Least Concern

The Airfin lookdown (Selene brevoortii) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
38 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Mexican lookdown is a jack (Carangidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, mirror-like silvery body with a steep, almost vertical head profile and low-set eyes, making it appear extremely thin from the front. Adults live in small schools in shallow coastal waters near the bottom. It feeds on small squids, shrimps, polychaetes and small fishes. It is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Airfin lookdown?

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

Where does the Airfin lookdown live?

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

How big does the Airfin lookdown get?

The Airfin lookdown grows to a maximum of about 38 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Airfin lookdown dangerous to humans?

No, the Airfin lookdown is harmless to humans.

Is the Airfin lookdown edible?

Yes, the Airfin lookdown is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mexicaanse maanvis sourced
English name
Airfin lookdown verified
Scientific name
Selene brevoortii
Family
Carangidae
Other names
Hairfin lookdown; Mexican lookdown verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
38.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small 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 Selene

More from the family Carangidae

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