Albulidae
The Albulidae is a family of ray-finned fish, commonly known as bonefish. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting coastal areas, lagoons, and estuaries. Bonefish are known for their elongated, silver bodies, with a distinctive dorsal fin and a forked caudal fin. Their bodies are covered in scales that feel rough to the touch, resembling sandpaper.
Common Names
Bonefish are known by various common names, including:
- Bonefish
- Ladyfish
- Silverfish
- Banjo
- Milkfish (in some regions)
Characteristics
Bonefish possess several distinct characteristics that set them apart from other fish species:
- Elongated body: Their bodies are long and slender, resembling a torpedo shape.
- Silver coloration: Their scales are a shimmering silver, which helps them camouflage in shallow waters.
- Dorsal fin: They have a single, prominent dorsal fin located towards the middle of their back.
- Forked caudal fin: Their tail fin is deeply forked, providing powerful propulsion for fast bursts of speed.
- Rough scales: The scales on their bodies are rough to the touch, giving them a sandpaper-like texture.
- Strong jaws: Bonefish have strong jaws with sharp teeth, enabling them to crush crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Environment
Bonefish are primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters, inhabiting a variety of environments:
- Coastal areas: They are commonly found in shallow, sandy areas near the shore.
- Lagoons: Bonefish often inhabit lagoons, which are sheltered bodies of water separated from the ocean.
- Estuaries: They can also be found in estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the saltwater ocean.
References
For further information, you can refer to these reliable sources: