Atlantic moonfish

Horsefish
Photo Credit: Carla Isobel Elliff (fishbase.us)
Family Jacks, scads, and allies
Scientific Family Carangidae
Scientific Name Selene setapinnis
Spanish Name Cara de caballo
ITIS# 168684
Tail shape Forked

A very deep-bodied, short and strongly compressed fish. Facial profile nearly vertical and concave. Pelvic fin very short. Silvery; tip of lower jaw black; a faint dark spot on edge of operculum, a narrow black area along top of tail base; small juveniles with an oval black spot over straight part of lateral line.


Biology

Adults usually found near the bottom from inshore waters to at least 162 feet (54 m) depth, but may form schools near the surface. Juveniles are found on muddy bottoms, brackish estuaries and in coastal marine waters. Adults feed on small fishes and crustaceans.

Appearance

Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color:
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side


Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 10 inches (25 cm)
Max Length: 24 inches (60 cm)
Maximum Weight
10.1 lbs (4600 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
ME-TX


Abundance
Less Common


Other Species from same Family