Peprilus triacanthus

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
SphyraenidaePeprilus triacanthus(Peck)1804Butterfish

Peprilus triacanthus

Unique Characters: Dorsal and anal fins only slightly falcate. A row of up to 25 large pores on body immediately below anterior half of dorsal fin. Upper jaw teeth with 3 small cusps. Body depth more than 2 times in length. Dorsal and upper ventral surface in adults often with a mottled color pattern.

Similar Species:

Harvestfish
Peprilus paru

Gulf Butterfish
Peprilus burti

Peprilus paru
Harvestfish – Peprilus paru

Harvestfish Peprilus paru. Dorsal and anal fins moderately to extremely falcate, dorsal fin slightly less so. No large pores below anterior half of dorsal fin. Upper jaw teeth pointed and simple.

Gulf Butterfish Peprilus burti. Dorsal and anal fins only slightly falcate. A row of up to 25 large pores on body immediately below anterior half of dorsal fin. Upper jaw teeth with 3 small cusps. Body depth less than 2 times in length. Dorsal or upper ventral surface rarely if ever mottled.

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