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Pacific Bonefish

Pacific Bonefish

Albula argentea

Quick Facts

Scientific name Albula argentea

Other names Bonefish, Grey Ghost, Ghost of the Flats, Banana-fish, Lady Fish, Longjaw Bonefish

Size Up to 110 cm (43.3 in)

Weight Up to 6 kg (13 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Shallow coastal waters, sandflats, mudflats, seagrass beds, mangroves, estuaries, river mouths

Depth Range 0 - 10 m (33 ft)

Interesting Info

The Pacific Bonefish is a schooling fish, commonly found in shallow coastal waters amongst mud & sand flats in northern Australia.
In Australia, they are often confused with whiting as they are identical looking. However, bonefish only have one dorsal fin and a lower placed mouth.
These fish are bottom foragers, feeding on crustaceans, worms & small fish.
The spawning season for Albula argentea occurs from December to February, with the fish migrating to offshore waters to spawn. The young of this species are born as larvae and are carried by ocean currents back to the shallow coastal waters where they grow and mature.
Estimates of lifespan are between 10 and 20 years, with maturity at around 4 years.
Bonefish are known for their speed, quickly reaching speeds of 65 kph (40 mph) in short bursts.
The main predators of angelfish include sharks, larger predatory fish.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing & Snorkelling

The Pacific Bonefish are a highly targeted sports fish, known for their excellent fight on light gear. Anglers around the world fly to various locations just to target this species. They are a easy fish to spot amongst sandflats, mudflats and seagrass beds. Snorkelers in shallow waters can easily spot schools of the fish foraging flats for food.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Albuliformes

Family: Albulidae

Genus: Albula

Species: Albula argentea

Conservation Status

Pacific Bonefish are not evaluated on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) site. However, as its a fast growing species there are limited concerns of over fishing.