Bonefish

Albula vulpes

Near Threatened Saltwater

Max Length

77.0 cm

Max Weight

6.4 kg

Color

Highly iridescent silvery-white flanks with …

Depth Range

0-84m

Family

Albulidae

About

The bonefish is the premier shallow-water flats species, prized by fly fishers for its blistering initial run. Found in tropical shallows worldwide, it feeds by rooting in sand and marl for crustaceans and mollusks.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	77.0 cm
Maximum Weight	6.4 kg
Depth Range	0-84m

Coloration

Highly iridescent silvery-white flanks with faint olive-green back; narrow dusky streaks follow scale rows along the upper body; fins are largely transparent with a pale yellowish tinge.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic, estuaries

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-84m

Geographic Range

Cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Favors shallow tidal flats, mangrove lagoons, and sandy bays in Florida, Bahamas, and Indo-Pacific atolls.

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Conservation Status

Near Threatened IUCN Red List

Bonefish is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Edible but extremely bony flesh; rarely consumed as table fare in modern sport fishing. Almost exclusively caught-and-released; the species is prized for its fighting ability, not flavor.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

8/5

Recommended Bait

shrimp flies, crab patterns, Gotcha lures, live shrimp

Fishing Seasons

Taxonomy

Order	Albuliformes (Bonefishes)
Family	Albulidae (Bonefishes)
Species	Albula vulpes

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Banane de mer
Spanish	Macabí

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Bonefish?

Edible but extremely bony flesh; rarely consumed as table fare in modern sport fishing. Almost exclusively caught-and-released; the species is prized for its fighting ability, not flavor.

How big does Bonefish get?

Bonefish can grow up to 77.0 cm long and weigh 6.4 kg.

Where is Bonefish found?

Is Bonefish endangered?

The conservation status of Bonefish is Near Threatened according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Bonefish belong to?

Bonefish (Albula vulpes) belongs to the family Albulidae (Bonefishes) in the order Albuliformes (Bonefishes).