Lookdown fish

Lookdown fish
Selene vomer
Max. size: 30 cm

 

Geographical distribution:
Its distribution is spread  between Maine and Uruguay, including the Bermudas, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. 

 

Biology:
Being very slim, this fish slips between the submerged mangrove roots to catch small fish or to protect itself from predators.  It can accelerate rapidly to attack its prey.

The spawning period takes place in the summer when the lookdown fish lays its eggs in the sandy depths.  

Its Latin name, Selene vomer, is from the Greek moon goddess, Selene.  It is also sometimes called a silver moon fish because of the metallic silver coloration over its entire body, with glints of gold, blue and green.  

 

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