Fin's Fish Guide
The Ancho (Pomatomus saltatrix) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomatomidae that grows up to 130 cm.
Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters; absent from the eastern and northwest Pacific. Present in the Atlantic, Indian and southwest Pacific Ocean.
Description
The bluefish is a powerful, aggressive predator of the family Pomatomidae reaching 130 cm. The streamlined body has a greenish back and silvery-white flanks, two separate dorsal fins of which the first is low and spiny, and a forked tail. The large mouth carries a single row of sharp, cutting teeth. The species occurs circumglobally in warm seas and the Mediterranean, hunting other fish, crustaceans and squid in schools, often in a feeding frenzy. Bluefish are known to bite when handled. A prized sport and food fish, the species is nonetheless assessed as Vulnerable owing to fishing pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ancho?
The Ancho has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Powerful, aggressive predator with a large mouth full of sharp teeth; can bite when handled.
Where does the Ancho live?
The Ancho lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters; absent from the eastern and northwest Pacific. Present in the Atlantic, Indian and southwest Pacific Ocean.
How big does the Ancho get?
The Ancho grows to a maximum of about 130 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Ancho dangerous to humans?
The Ancho can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. May bite with its sharp teeth when handled; clean and disinfect bite wounds thoroughly and see a doctor for deep cuts.
Is the Ancho edible?
Yes, the Ancho is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Want the complete picture on the Ancho?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ancho is one of 12,519 species in the app.