Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue butterfish (Stromateus fiatola) is a saltwater fish of the family Stromateidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa); Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The blue butterfish is a deep-bodied, laterally compressed schooling fish of the family Stromateidae reaching about 50 cm. The back is blue to brownish with dark spots and the belly silvery-white; juveniles have vertical bars and small black pelvic fins and often live among pelagic jellyfish, which give them shelter. The species occurs on the continental shelf of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, between 10 and 70 m, forming large shoals. It feeds on small fish, zooplankton and medusae. The blue butterfish is a valued food fish across its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue butterfish?
The Blue butterfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Deep-bodied shoaling fish; juveniles live among jellyfish and have vertical bands and small black pelvic fins.
Where does the Blue butterfish live?
The Blue butterfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa); Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Blue butterfish get?
The Blue butterfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Blue butterfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue butterfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue butterfish edible?
Yes, the Blue butterfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Blue butterfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stromateus
More from the family Stromateidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.