Threadfin Family  – Polynemidae

There are currently THREE members of the Threadfin or Polynemidae Family, one from the Atlantic and two from the Pacific Ocean,  presented in this website:

FROM THE ATLANTIC (1):

FROM THE PACIFIC (2):

The fish of the Polynemidae which includes the Threadfins and Bobos are a group of coastal fish found in or near the coast and often in river mouths and in brackish mangrove estuaries. They are found globally and the family consists of 40 species that have been placed in 8 genera. In Mexico, they are known collectively as barbudos. There are five Threadfins and Bobos found in Mexican waters, three in the Atlantic Ocean and two in the Pacific Ocean.

The Threadfins are small to medium sized fishes with the largest one being 46 cm (18 inches) in length. They have elongated, compressed bodies and their heads have a short conical snout with an overhanging mouth, large eyes found at the front of the head that are longer than the snout that have fatty covers and a mid-sized mouth. Their anal fin has a short base with 3 spines and 10 to 18 rays; their caudal fin is forked; they have two well separated dorsal fins; the first has 8 spines and the second has 1 spine and 11 to 15 rays; their pectoral fins have a lower section with 3 to 16 long free rays and an upper section with 12 to 19 rays; and, their pelvic fins are located well behind the pectoral fin base and under the first dorsal fin. They are covered with rough scales. Their lateral line extends into the caudal fin.

The Threadfins consume crabs, shrimps, polychaete worms and other benthic invertebrates. They are considered to be a quality food fish for human consumption and are sold in regional markets on an “as available” basis.