Pelagic Fish Species

Pelagic fish are migratory fish that swim close to the surface of the water column in coastal, lake or ocean waters. Coastal or inshore fish swim the more shallow waters over the continental shelf. Oceanic or offshore fish prefer the deeper waters beyond the continental shelf.

  1. Anchovy

    • The anchovy lives a short lifespan, but reproduces quickly. This small fish wears a bluish-green skin above, a silver strip on its side and a silvery underbelly. Processed uses include fertilizers, dietary supplements and fish oil.

    Atlantic Mackerel

    • The Atlantic mackerel sports a tapered, spindle shaped body with a mature size of 13 to 18 inches in length. They have an iridescent blue-green skin above and a silver white underbelly. Wavy black bars extend along the top half of the body with a dark streak underlining the bars.

    Atlantic Sailfish

    • Atlantic sailfish feature a blue and silver body topped by a fan-shaped dorsal fin. They are found in the tropical and semi-tropical waters. A record Atlantic sailfish weighing 128 pounds was landed in 1974, according to the International Game Fish Association record.

    Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark

    • The mako shark has few predators, except man.

      The Atlantic shortfin mako shark can migrate across entire ocean basins. They have pointed snouts, dark blue-gray skin above and light metallic blue sides. Top predators of marine life, they are the most popular shark eaten by their human predators.

    Pacific Yellowfin Tuna

    • Pacific yellowfin tuna reach a mature size of about eight feet in length and weigh approximately 440 pounds. This tropical species wears a dark blue-black metallic skin with a yellow to silver underside. Distinguishing features include bright yellow long dorsal and anal fins.