Family Stromateidae

Butterfishes

Selected Characters: Body deep, compressed; pelvic fins absent; long, pointed pectoral fins; forked caudal fin; tiny cycloid scales.

Butterfishes are found in most temperate and tropical seas. These pelagic fishes often swim in large schools. In some areas they are harvested commercially. There are about 13 species, one of which occurs in Puget Sound. The Pacific Butterfish is often called the Pacific Pompano, but it is not a true pompano (which belong to the family Carangidae). It lives on sand bottoms in coastal areas and is used as a food fish. It has a maximum length of 28 cm. This species occurs with moderate frequency in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Peprilus simillimus Pacific Butterfish