The Butterfish Family – Stromateidae

There are currently FOUR members of the Butterfish or Stromateidae Family, one from the Atlantic Ocean and three from the Pacific Ocean, presented in this website:

FROM THE ATLANTIC (1):

FROM THE PACIFIC (3):

The Butterfish or Stromateidae Family has sixteen global species placed in three genera of which six are found in Mexican waters, all from the Peprilus genus, two in the Atlantic Ocean and four in the Pacific Ocean. They are known in Mexico as palometas. The Butterfish are small-sized fish with deep (slightly less than 50% of standard length) very compressed bodies that have similar upper and lower profiles. They contain a high level of fat after which they are named.

The Butterfish silvery in color with a bluish cast on their back. They reach a maximum length of 30 cm (12 inches). Their head has a short blunt snout with a small mouth that extends only to the front edge of their small centrally-located eyes and features 1 row of small teeth. Their eyes are fairly large with a fatty ring. Their single anal and single dorsal fins have long bases; they are symmetrical with the front portions of both fins being similarly elongated. They have deeply forked caudal fins, long and pointed pectoral fins, and no pelvic fins. Their lateral line is high and follows the body profile. They are covered with small cycloid scales.

The Butterfish are pelagic fish found in large schools over sandy bottoms in all global tropical and temperate seas along the shoreline. Juveniles are found around floating debris and plants and often in the presence of jellyfish which is believed to deter predation. They primarily consume pelagic crustaceans. They are harvested commercially with large nets as many species are considered important food fish for humans and sold commercially. They are sold whole, fresh or frozen, and some species can be found in great abundance in California ethnic fish markets. They are usually cooked and eaten whole, including their bones.