Home · Albulidae · Threadfin bonefish
Threadfin bonefish (Albula nemoptera) — Albulidae

Threadfin bonefish

Albula nemoptera
Family: Albulidae

The Threadfin bonefish (Albula nemoptera) is a brackish-water fish of the family Albulidae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–50.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Rp, French Guiana, Jamaica, Nicaragua and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Want the complete picture on the Threadfin bonefish?

Get the app

Description

The Threadfin bonefish is a bonefish (Albulidae) from shallow tropical coastal waters and sand flats of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific. The species has a streamlined, bright-silvery body with a downward-pointing, pig-like snout. A rear dorsal-fin ray is extended into a long thread. As a bottom-oriented fish it roots on sandy tidal flats for worms, shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. It is a famed, hard-fighting sport fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threadfin bonefish?

The Threadfin bonefish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Threadfin bonefish live?

The Threadfin bonefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Rp, French Guiana, Jamaica, Nicaragua and others

How big does the Threadfin bonefish get?

The Threadfin bonefish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Threadfin bonefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Threadfin bonefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Threadfin bonefish edible?

Yes, the Threadfin bonefish is commonly eaten.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Threadfin bonefish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threadfin bonefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Threadfin bonefish sourced
Scientific name
Albula nemoptera
Family
Albulidae
Other names
Shafted bonefish; Threadfin bonefish; Caribbean bonefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Rp, French Guiana, Jamaica, Nicaragua and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Albula

More from the family Albulidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Threadfin bonefish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threadfin bonefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Threadfin bonefish? Get the app