Fin's Fish Guide
The American butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Stromateidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, from Canada to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
Description
The American butterfish is a deep, disc-shaped marine fish of the family Stromateidae reaching about 30 cm. The strongly compressed body is glossy silver with a blue-green tinge and bears small, easily shed scales. The species lives in the western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and forms schools that move seasonally between shallow coastal water and deeper water. Juveniles often shelter under the bells of jellyfish. The butterfish feeds on small plankton, jellyfish and small fish. With its rich, tasty flesh it is a valued food fish on the American east coast.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American butterfish?
The American butterfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, laterally flattened, disc-shaped and silvery; young fish often shelter under jellyfish.
Where does the American butterfish live?
The American butterfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, from Canada to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
How big does the American butterfish get?
The American butterfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the American butterfish dangerous to humans?
No, the American butterfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the American butterfish edible?
Yes, the American butterfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Peprilus
More from the family Stromateidae
Want the complete picture on the American butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.