Banded Rudderfish
Scientific Name: Seriola zonata
Members of the jack family, banded rudderfish are common in the Gulf of Mexico. They are also found from Nova Scotia south to the tip of Brazil.
Bluish green to silver in color, mature banded rudderfish are marked with faint golden stripes extending horizontally from their eyes to the tails. They usually weigh less than 10lbs at maturity, and juveniles are characterized by six prominent black bars running vertically down their bodies.
Fun Facts:
- Preferring shallow water, banded rudderfish are found near reefs, inshore channels and artificial structures like buoys and trap lines.
- Although there is no significant commercial fishing industry for these fish, they are very popular with fisherman because of their stereotype as aggressive strikers and fighters.
- Juvenile banded rudderfish typically hide under jellyfish, drifting weeds and floating ocean debris for security.
- Mature banded rudderfish have also been known to congregate with and follow sharks and other large fish.
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