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Atlantic Saury Scomberesox saurus

Although not as thin as its needlefish relatives, the Atlantic saury has a similar narrow body and a long, beak-like snout lined with tiny teeth. The body is clear green above and bright silver on the sides. It has a single dorsal and anal fin, each followed by a series of small finlets. This fish lives in large schools that chase and capture smaller fish and shrimplike crustaceans while skimming along at the surface. It is fished commercially and is caught by being attracted to bright lights at night.

Atlantic Saury habitat mapzoom image
  • Order Beloniformes
  • Length Up to 20 in (50 cm)
  • Weight Not recorded
  • Depth 0–100 ft (0–30 m)
  • Distribution North, northwestern, and eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean