Fin's Fish Guide
The African moonfish (Selene dorsalis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Carangidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The African moonfish is a deep, very thin jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 40 cm. The strongly compressed, almost round body is mirror-silver and has a steep, nearly vertical head profile, giving the fish the look of a shining moon in side view; young fish have thread-like extensions on the dorsal and pelvic fins. The species forms schools above soft bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. Close to the bottom it hunts small fish, shrimps, crabs and worms. Because of its thin body the flesh yield is limited, but it is much landed as bycatch and eaten locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African moonfish?
The African moonfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, very thin, mirror-like silvery small horse mackerel with a steep, almost vertical head profile and thread-like fin tips in young fish.
Where does the African moonfish live?
The African moonfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the African moonfish get?
The African moonfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.
Is the African moonfish dangerous to humans?
No, the African moonfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African moonfish edible?
Yes, the African moonfish is commonly eaten.
Want the complete picture on the African moonfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Selene
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the African moonfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African moonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.