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Conservation Status

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Bonefish are not a listed species. Although they are not protected, fishing for bonefish is regulated.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Cycle

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Fertilized eggs hatch into larvae, which goes through three developmental stages, in the first stage the larvae do not grow, followed by two stages in which the larvae grow larger. During the development stages, larvae are clear in color and very thin. After development is complete, juveniles gradually grow larger until they reach adult size.

Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Benefits

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Humans can be afflicted with ciguatera poisoning through eating bonefish if the fish themselves are affected.

Negative Impacts: injures humans (poisonous )

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Benefits

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Bonefish are a widely prized sport fish among anglers. Bonefish cannot be commercially sold, so there is no impact from direct sales of the fish. However, purchases by anglers have economic impacts in Florida and the Bahamas.

Positive Impacts: ecotourism

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Associations

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Bonefish play an important role the food chain in their ecosystem. As predators, they play a role in keeping smaller fish and crustacean populations in check. As prey, A. vulpes provides a food source for their predators, including sharks and barracudas. Bonefish are also used as hosts by Spinitectus beaveri, a nematoda parasite.

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

  • nematode parasites (Spinitectus beaveri)
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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Trophic Strategy

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Bonefish are predators and consume a variety of prey. They feed on many small mollusks and crustaceans in shallow water. The majority of their diet consists of small crabs, fish, and shrimp, including xanthid and portunid crabs, toadfish, and snapping and penaeid shrimp (Crabtree et al., 1998). Bonefish normally school, but break into smaller groups to feed.

Animal Foods: fish; aquatic crustaceans

Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore , Eats non-insect arthropods)

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Distribution

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Bonefish are found in warm tropical waters from the southern coast of Florida, through the Bahamas and along the eastern coast of South America. Bonefish can also be found in the Pacific ocean from coastal California to Peru in South America. This range is roughly from 35 degrees north to 15 degrees south of the equator. Although bonefish are typically found in warmer climates, there have been reports of sightings into northern portions of the Atlantic coast in the United States.

Biogeographic Regions: oceanic islands (Native ); atlantic ocean (Native ); pacific ocean (Native )

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Habitat

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Bonefish are found in varying water depths. They can be found in waters as deep as 100 m but, while feeding, can be found in extremely shallow waters. During feeding times, bonefish can be found in waters as shallow as 10 cm. When not feeding, bonefish retreat to deeper waters.

Range depth: 0.01 to 100 m.

Habitat Regions: tropical ; saltwater or marine

Aquatic Biomes: coastal

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Expectancy

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Bonefish have an average life span of 5 to 10 years, but there are some records of this species living over 20 years.

Range lifespan
Status: wild:
5 to 10 years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
20 years.

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Morphology

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Bonefish have slender bodies with silver scales. They have numerous black stripes that run the length of the body. Adults vary in length, growing as large as 90 to 100 cm in size. There is sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males. Males are from 40 to 50 cm, females are typically 2 to 5 cm larger than males. Larger fish can weigh as much as 7 to 9 kg, with most bonefish falling between 2 and 4 kg.

Range mass: 9 (high) kg.

Average mass: 2-4 kg.

Range length: 100 (high) cm.

Average length: 40-50 cm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: female larger

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Associations

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As large fish, bonefish have few predators as adults. As larvae and young, however, bonefish are probably preyed on by a wide variety of other fish and aquatic predators. Predators of adult bonefish are mainly barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and various sharks (nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum, blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides, tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, bonnethead sharks, Sphyrna tiburo and lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris). Humans (Homo sapiens) are another source of predation. In Florida waters, bonefish are protected and only one fish per day is allowed per angler.

Known Predators:

  • barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
  • nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
  • blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides)
  • tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier)
  • bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo)
  • lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris)
  • humans (Homo sapiens)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Behavior

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Bonefish are a schooling species, they maintain large groups of individuals. Bonefish have good eye sight and a very good sense of smell, this is how they interact in the environment.

Communication Channels: visual

Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Karen Francl, Radford University
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Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Reproduction

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Reproduction occurs seasonally in bonefish, spawning mainly occurs from November to late May or early June. Bonefish are polygynandrous. They randomly mate, with eggs and sperm released into open water among other males and females.

Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)

In bonefish spawning occurs throughout the year. During spawning, females release their eggs, which are then fertilized externally by males in the immediate area as the eggs are released. Spawning occurs in deep water containing a current to move the fertilized eggs. Spawning typically is accomplished in schools, resulting in random or group fertilization. Males and females do not have a distinct partner during spawning.

Breeding interval: Breeding occurs once yearly.

Breeding season: Breeding occurs from November to June.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 4 to 7 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 3 to 5 years.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); broadcast (group) spawning; oviparous ; sperm-storing

During spawning season, females release eggs into the water column and males release sperm. After spawning, there is no parental care. Eggs develop in the water column.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female)

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Reeves, S. 2011. "Albula vulpes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Albula_vulpes.html
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Stephen Reeves, Radford University
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Diagnostic Description

provided by Fishbase
Branchiostegal rays 12-14 (Ref. 4639). Silvery with dusky fins; base of pectorals yellow (Ref. 3970). Body elongate and fusiform (Ref. 4832). Last ray of dorsal and anal fins not prolonged; head region naked; spot and band absent on head; margin of nasal pore not black (Ref. 13608). Bluntly conical snout extends beyond inferior mouth (Ref. 26938). Pectoral and pelvic axillary scales present; a single long scale on each side of membrane between each ray of dorsal and anal fins (Ref. 4832).
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Trophic Strategy

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Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and bays, over sand and mud bottoms (Ref. 3237). Often in schools, except large individuals which are solitary (Ref. 7251). Dorsal fin may show above surface (Ref. 42064). More or less pelagic but feeds on benthic worms, crustaceans, and mollusks (Ref. 2850), also on cephalopods and fish (Ref. 26338). Tolerates oxygen poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like airbladder (Ref. 9710).
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Morphology

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Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 19; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 69 - 74
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Migration

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Amphidromous. Refers to fishes that regularly migrate between freshwater and the sea (in both directions), but not for the purpose of breeding, as in anadromous and catadromous species. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.Characteristic elements in amphidromy are: reproduction in fresh water, passage to sea by newly hatched larvae, a period of feeding and growing at sea usually a few months long, return to fresh water of well-grown juveniles, a further period of feeding and growing in fresh water, followed by reproduction there (Ref. 82692).
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Life Cycle

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Spawning occurs in open waters. Eggs are pelagic (Ref. 205).
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Biology

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Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and bays, over sand and mud bottoms (Ref. 3237). Often in schools, except large individuals which are solitary (Ref. 7251). Dorsal fin may show above surface (Ref. 42064). More or less pelagic but feeds on benthic worms, crustaceans, and mollusks (Ref. 2850); that are picked from mud and sand bottoms (Ref. 27549). Tolerates oxygen poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like airbladder (Ref. 9710). Flesh is bony and not esteemed (Ref. 9268). One of the most important game fishes worldwide (Ref. 26938).
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Importance

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fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; bait: usually; price category: high; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species
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Bonefish

provided by wikipedia EN

The bonefish (Albula vulpes) is the type species of the bonefish family (Albulidae), the only family in order Albuliformes.

Taxonomy

Bonefish were once believed to be a single species with a global distribution, however 9 different species have since been identified. There are three identified species in the Atlantic and six in the Pacific. Albula vulpes is the largest and most widespread of the Atlantic species.[4]

Distribution

This species inhabits warm subtropical and tropical waters of the western Atlantic, and is found off the coasts of southern Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the West Indies.[1]

Description

Scales of A. vulpes
Bonefish head
Illustration

The bonefish weighs up to 14 lb (6.4 kg) and measures up to 79 cm (31 in) long. The color of bonefish can range from very silver sides and slight darker backs to olive green backs that blend to the silver side.[4] Slight shading on the scales often leads to very soft subtle lines that run the flank of the fish from the gills to the tail. The bases of the pectoral fins are sometimes yellow. Bonefish can live up to 20 years and reach sexual maturity at 2–3 years of age (when they're over 17 inches (43.18 cm) long). Larvae drift for an average of 53 days. Juveniles often live over open sandy bottoms.[4]

Behavior

An amphidromous species, it lives in inshore tropical waters and moves onto shallow mudflats or sand flats to feed with the incoming tide. Adults and juveniles may shoal together, and mature adults may be found singly or in pairs.[4]

The bonefish feeds on benthic worms, fry, crustaceans, and mollusks.[5] Ledges, drop-offs, and clean, healthy seagrass beds yield abundant small prey such as crabs and shrimp. It may follow stingrays to catch the small animals they root from the substrate.

In the Los Roques archipelago bonefish primarily hunt glass minnows, however this behavior is atypical.[6]

Fishing and cuisine

Bonefish are considered one of the premier fly and light tackle game fish.[4] Fishing for bonefish, called bonefishing, is a popular sport in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, southern Florida, Cargados Carajos. Since bonefish live in shallow inshore water, fishing may be done by wading or from a shallow-draft boat. Bonefishing is mostly done for the sport, so the fish are released, but they may also be eaten in less developed areas. A typical Bahamian recipe is a split fish seasoned with pepper sauce and salt, then baked.[7]

Bonefish are notoriously wary and great skill must be taken both in approach and presentation when fishing for them. English speaking fishermen often refer to them as “grey ghosts."[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Adams, A.; Guindon, K.; Horodysky, A.; MacDonald, T.; McBride, R.; Shenker, J.; Ward, R. (2012). "Albula vulpes". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T194303A2310733. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T194303A2310733.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Albulidae" (PDF). Deeplyfish- fishes of the world. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  3. ^ Froese, R.; Pauly, D. (2017). "Albulidae". FishBase version (02/2017). Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Suescun, Alex (24 December 2014). "All About Bonefish". saltwatersportsman.com. Salt Water Sportsman. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  5. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2007). "Albula vulpes" in FishBase. June 2007 version.
  6. ^ Hudson, Sam (7 May 2014). "Catch Bonefish with Lures". www.sportfishingmag.com. Sport Fishing Magazine. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  7. ^ Darwin Porter, Danforth Prince, Frommer's Bahamas, 20th edition, 2012, ISBN 1118287517, p. 27.

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Bonefish: Brief Summary

provided by wikipedia EN

The bonefish (Albula vulpes) is the type species of the bonefish family (Albulidae), the only family in order Albuliformes.

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Description

provided by World Register of Marine Species
Distribution: cosmopolitan in tropical seas (Losse, 1968). Look up in FishBase

Reference

Froese, R. & D. Pauly (Editors). (2023). FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. version (02/2023).

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Distribution

provided by World Register of Marine Species
off Emerald Bank to Brazil

Reference

North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)

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Habitat

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Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and bays, over sand and mud bottoms.

Reference

North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)

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Habitat

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nektonic

Reference

North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)

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