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