Traceable Species

Atlantic Butterfish

Dollarfish, Shiner, Skipjack, Sheepshead, Harvestfish
Atlantic Butterfish

Although little is know about the life of the butterfish, they typically travel in small bands or loose schools, and prefer inshore areas and sandy seafloors. They mature at two years old and begin to spawn in the Gulf of Maine in June. Females lay eggs that are buoyant, transparent and spherical. During the first summer young butterfish often live in the shelter of the large jellyfishes. The butterfish feeds on small fish, squid, Crustacea such as amphipods and shrimp, and annelid worms. 

Atlantic Butterfish

Food Info Atlantic Butterfish

TASTING NOTES

  • Colour: white
  • Texture: delicate and tender
  • Flavour: rich, oily and flavourful
  • Perfect serve: An excellent pan fish, butterfish is usually gutted with the head and skin left on. Small fish can be dipped whole in flour and deep fried. Larger fish can be split, then broiled, baked, grilled, or sautéed. The flesh turns white and opaque when cooked.
Species Range
Atlantic Butterfish range Source: Fishbase.org
COMMON NAMES
Dollarfish
Shiner
Skipjack
Sheepshead
Harvestfish
FISHERY OPENINGS
Atlantic Butterfish by Bottom Trawl (USA) Jan 01 - Dec 31

The Atlantic butterfish is distinguished by its very thin, deep body, resembling a flounder on edge. It earned its buttery name from its high oil content. The butterfish is a small fish with the largest weighing in at just over one pound and a foot long. It ranges along the North American coast as far south as Florida and as far north as Newfoundland.

Butterfish have a leaden bluish back and pale sides with numerous irregular dark spots which fade after death. The belly is silvery. They have long pointed pectoral fins, a short head, blunt snout, small mouth and a deeply forked tail. It is an excellent pan fish rich in flavour.

Fishing Methods

{'fisheries': [<License: Atlantic Butterfish by Bottom Trawl (USA)>], 'gear': <Gear: Bottom Trawl>}

Bottom Trawl

This fishery uses a large cone-shaped net that is dragged along the seafloor to catch fish. As the net is towed at low speed, hydrodynamic forces push two "otter boards" outwards opening the mouth of the net and capturing fish in its path.

FISHERIES:
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Featured Harvester Bernie Berry

Mangrove Crab Harvester

Canavieiras, Brazil

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