Butterfish

Scientific Name:
Peprilus triacanthus

Vernacular Names:
Es/Sp: Pez mantequilla, Pez manteca
Fr/Fr: Poisson beurre, Butterfish
In/En: American butterfish, Atlantic butterfish, Butterfish

Local Names:
USA East Coast: Butterfish
Canada (Atlantic): Butterfish
Mexico: Pez mantequilla
Puerto Rico: Pez mantequilla

Commercial Names: Butterfish, American butterfish, Atlantic butterfish

Simile of International Trade: Coastal pelagic species, moderately traded, known for delicate texture

Fishing Season: Available year-round, more commonly caught in warmer months (spring to fall).

Geographical Distribution: Western Atlantic Ocean: From South Carolina and North Carolina coastal waters to the outer coast of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, extending north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, east coast of Newfoundland, and south to Florida; also occasionally found farther north and south as stray individuals.

Habitat and Biology: Coastal, pelagic species preferring sandy-bottomed areas, often found close to shore.

Length: Commonly 15–23 cm (6–9 in), some individuals up to 30 cm (12 in); weight ranges from about 50 to 567 grams (1.75 to 20 oz).