Distribution:
Eastern Atlantic: Trondheim, Norway and southern Iceland to British Isles including Baltic Sea. Three subspecies: B. b. belone, B. belone gracilis (France to Canaries including the Mediterranean). B. belone euxini (Black Sea).
Diagnosis:
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal softrays (total): 16-20; Anal soft-rays: 19-23. Jaw teeth comparatively large and widely spaced. Vertebrae 75-84. Vomerine teeth present at lengths greater than 20 cam. Lower jaw a little longer than upper jaw. Juveniles with greatly elongated jaw, without black posterior dorsal fin lobe.
Biology:
Lives close to the surface and has a migratory pattern similar to the mackerel. Feeds on small fishes, particularly clupeids and Engraulis (in the Black Sea). Leaps out of the water when hooked. Utilized fresh and frozen; can be fried, broiled and baked.
Max. size: 90.0 cm
Max.weight: 1,300.0 g
Environment: pelagic
Climate: temperate; 65°N - 27°N
Canary Islands country information: Name: Aguja
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