Gulf Butterfish
Peprilus burti
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 2–275 m
- Max size: 25 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A flat silvery fish that drifts in loose schools across the continental shelf, the gulf butterfish keeps near the bottom by day and rises into open water at night. Adults eat jellyfish, small fish, crustaceans and worms, while the young shelter under floating weed and beneath drifting jellyfish. Most live between 155 and 225 metres.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Scombriformes › Stromateidae › Peprilus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 276560.
FAQ
- How deep does the Gulf Butterfish live?
- The Gulf Butterfish (Peprilus burti) is typically found at 2–275 m.
- Is the Gulf Butterfish dangerous to divers?
- The Gulf Butterfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Gulf Butterfish get?
- The Gulf Butterfish grows to about 25 cm.