Side by Side

Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix

Typical: 14–26 in, 1–7 lb

Key field mark: The single row of large, flat, razor-sharp triangular teeth in a heavy lower jaw is unmistakable and separates it from the small needle-toothed Spanish mackerel, which also wears gold spots a bluefish never has.

• blue-green back fading to silvery sides
• mouth full of prominent, sharp, flat triangular teeth
• moderately forked tail
• dusky blotch at the base of the pectoral fin
• two dorsal fins, the soft rear one long and low

Full Bluefish guide — season, gear and rules →

Bonito / Atlantic Sarda sarda

Typical: 16–24 in, 2–8 lb

Key field mark: Straight slanted dark stripes on the back plus small visible teeth distinguish bonito from the toothless, scribble-backed, belly-spotted false albacore; bonito is striped where Spanish mackerel is spotted.

• straight, slanting dark oblique stripes along the back, angling down onto the upper sides
• stripes are linear and well-defined (not wavy scribbles)
• small but visible conical teeth in the jaws
• compact tuna-shaped body with finlets and a slim keeled tail base
• metallic blue back, bright silver sides

Full Bonito / Atlantic guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Bluefish and Bonito / Atlantic Overlap

Both run in Northeast — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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