Other Names :[SIZE=3]Ribbonfish, Silver Eel, Atlantic Cutlassfish[/SIZE]
Range & Habitat :Atlantic cutlassfish are found Gulfwide, from bays and inlets to offshore waters out to 300 feet deep. In inshore and nearshore waters, the fish is only common in warmer months. It is most common over mud bottoms. It uses all levels in the water column.
Identification & Biology :The metallic silver body is very flattened from side-to-side and ribbon-like. It has a single dorsal fin that extends the length of the body. It has no pelvic or tail fin and the anal fin is all but unnoticeable. This fish has a large eye and a very large mouth filled with impressive fang-like teeth. They are voracious eaters of small fishes and are occasionally caught on hooks. Atlantic cutlassfish make excellent bait, especially for trolling, but are also good as cut bait.
Size :Very common to 3 feet long, not rare at 4 feet.
Food Value :None in the U.S., although it is prized in Asia. Atlantic cutlassfish are a good bait species.
[SIZE=1]Description by: Jerald Horst, Associate Professor, Fisheries - LSU AgCenter[/SIZE]
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