Family Stromateidae - butterfishes

Butterfishes are found worldwide from the tropics to the temperate seas. Many species are caught commercially and sold for their fine flavor.

Pacific butterfish- Peprilus simillimus

Remarks: Infrequently enters the bay with strong tides. Seldom caught by sport anglers but has some commercial fishing importance. Small to large schools form over sandy bottoms near shore.

Identification: Body color is steel blue to silvery and whitish below. Pelvic fins are lacking. Head is rounded in profile and body is laterally compressed.

Range: British Columbia to Baja California.