Bonefish

The bonefish is the type species of the Albulidae, or bonefishes. It is amphidromous, living in inshore tropical waters, moving onto shallow tidal flats to feed with the incoming tide, and retreating to deeper water as the tide ebbs. Juvenile bonefish may be observed in large shoals of like-sized individuals with large mature fish swimming in smaller groups or in pairs. Bonefish are considered to be among the world's premier game fish and are highly sought after by anglers. Bonefish are primarily caught for sport. They are not commonly eaten. In Hawaii, bonefish known as "O'io" are eaten.

Range

Worldwide in warm seas.. Bonefish are caught by sport anglers in shallows near Sanbis Resort in Gizo in the Solomon Islands. The abundant sand flats surrounding Christmas Island are prime bonefishing destinations for anglers from all over the world.

Description

Weight up to 10 kg, Length to 104 cm. Silvery in colour with dusky fins—the bases of the pectoral fins are yellow. Heavily schooling fish, with some of the larger individuals traveling singly or in schools.

The bonefish, also known as phantom or gray ghost, is probably pound for pound the strongest and fastest running salt-water fish. Bonefishing is a shallow-water pursuit done in depths ranging from 8 inches to 8 feet. Flats sporting currents; dropoffs along the edge and clean, healthy seagrass beds produce adundante small crabs and shrimps that bonefish prey upon. Bonefish are known to follow stingrays, looking for small prey items disturbed by the rooting stingrays.

• Bonefishing in the Florida Keys Backcountry

Diet

Known to feed on benthic, worms, fry, crustaceans, and molluscs.

Habitat

Found from 0-5m depth in coastal waters over grassy or sandy ocean floor.

Points of note

An important game fish. This fish may improve its tolerance to oxygen-poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like airbladder. Live Shrimp is one of the most effective baits for this species.

• Bonefishing in the Florida Keys Backcountry

References