About Albula vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)
Albula vulpes, commonly called bonefish, can reach a maximum weight of 17 pounds (7.7 kg) and a maximum length of 31 inches (79 cm). Its body coloration ranges from silver sides with a slightly darker back to an olive green back that blends into silver along the sides. Subtle shading on the scales produces faint soft lines running along the flank from the gills to the tail. The bases of its pectoral fins are sometimes yellow in color. Bonefish can live up to 20 years, and reach sexual maturity at just 2 to 3 years of age, when they are over 17 inches (43 cm) long. On average, bonefish larvae drift for 53 days, and juvenile bonefish most often live over open sandy bottoms. This species inhabits warm subtropical and tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, and occurs off the coasts of southern Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, and around the West Indies. A traditional Bahamian recipe prepares bonefish by splitting the fish, seasoning it with pepper sauce and salt, then baking it.
