Blue Fry

Lower gill raker counts, show some correlation with geographical area, suggesting that the species may comprise three races or subspecies. W-shaped pelvic scute; pre-maxillae toothed, 1 supra-maxilla; isthmus slender, but with slight 'shoulders' anteriorly; vertebrae 40 to 43 (usually 42 - Venezuela); silver lateral band not becoming narrower or fading near gill opening (Ref. 188). Chest is slightly keeled. Small anal fin. Faintly greenish above (Ref. 37032).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Vertebrae: 40 - 43

A schooling species usually occurring inshore. Feeds on zooplankton. Preyed upon by many larger fishes and squids (Ref. 5521). Important as live bait for scombrids (Ref. 26340). In 1937, at Kingston, Jamaica it spawns during the winter months. Travels long distance (Ref. 37032).

fisheries: minor commercial; bait: usually; price category: low; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family