Bonefish

Common from 2 to 10 pounds; sometimes to 15 pounds, and possibly to 18 or 20. World record 19 pounds; Florida record 15 pounds, 6 ounces. Maximum length of about 31 inches (77 cm) and a weight of 13 or 14 pounds. Floridian and Bahamian fish often range from 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg), with fish over 8 pounds (3.6 kg) regarded as large. However, bonefish taken from Africa and Hawaii may attain weights over 20 pounds (9.1 kg).

Silver Ghost, White Fox, Macabi

Bonefish do much of their foraging on shallow mud or grass flats, where they can be sighted and cast to. They also frequently gather in large schools over fairly deep, soft bottom, where their feeding stirs up patches of silt or "mud." Bonefish occurs in the tropical and subtropical northwest Atlantic and is closely associated with mangroves, seagrasses and other shallow coastal habitats. Given the dramatic declines in these habitats, we infer that comparable regional declines are likely throughout its range. Globally, the highest proportion of threatened mangrove species is found along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America. Valiela et al. (2001) estimate that mangroves have decreased worldwide by 35%, at a rate of 2% per year. Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and bays, over sand and mud bottoms. Often in schools, except large individuals which are solitary. Dorsal fin may show above surface. More or less pelagic but feeds on benthic worms, crustaceans, and mollusks; that are picked from mud and sand bottoms. Tolerates oxygen poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like air bladder

Thick-bodied but streamlined. Dark back, usually greenish, and silver sides; pointed snout with underslung mouth; forked tail. A smaller and much lesser-known variety, the Longfin Bonefish, Albula nemoptera, looks almost identical, except for streamer-like extensions of its dorsal and anal fins. Bonefishes are one of the most important game fishes in the world. These beautiful fish can reach weights and lengths of up to 10 kg and 104 cm respectively, though a more representative size would be about a third of that. Bonefishes have 15-19 dorsal soft rays, 7-9 anal soft rays, 12-14 branchiostegalexternal link rays, and 69-74 vertebrae. Bonefishes appear blue-greenish above, with bright silver scales on the sides and below. Dark streaks run in between their rows of scales, predominantly on their dorsal side. Their bodies are long, thin, and fusiformexternal link, with bluntly conical snouts. Pectoral and pelvic axillary scales are present, as is a single long scale on each side of the membrane between each ray of their dorsal and anal fins. Bonefish have a unique adaptation for tolerating oxygen-poor water; they inhale air into a lung-like airbladder to supplement oxygen from the water. They are sometimes mistaken for ladyfishes, which look similar. Linnaeusexternal link first described the bonefish in 1758. Its scientific name can be translated as "white fox." Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-19; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 69 - 74. Branchiostegal rays 12-14. Silvery with dusky fins; base of pectorals yellow. Body elongate and fusiform. Last ray of dorsal and anal fins not prolonged; head region naked; spot and band absent on head; margin of nasal pore not black (Ref. 13608). Bluntly conical snout extends beyond inferior mouth. Pectoral and pelvic axillary scales present; a single long scale on each side of membrane between each ray of dorsal and anal fins

Spawning occurs in open waters. Eggs are pelagic

Summary of Distribution: Worldwide in warm seas. Hawaiian species have been verified by electrophoretic analysis, hence, Albula vulpes might be further split. Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Peru. Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA to Florida, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Antilles and Caribbean to Brazil. Northwest Atlantic: Canada. The West African form is Albula goreensis.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

For sight-fishing in the classic style, the most productive tackle is a spinning outfit with a light rod of 7 feet or longer and 8-pound test line. Bonefish are also among the top favorites of fly fishermen, whose standard gear is an 8-weight outfit. Lighter fly rods get some spot use, if wind conditions allow, and 9-weight outfits are not too heavy for good sport. Live shrimp is the bait of choice among spin fishermen, but cut shrimp, conch (in the Bahamas and Caribbean) and crab all work well. Best lures are "skimmer" jigs, 1/8 or 1/4 ounce, with horizontally flattened heads that help keep the hook upright.

Available Sizes: 13" - 32" Details: Fired-Enamel Glass Eye Product Options: Wood Plaque, Various Custom Base options