bonefish

[ bohn-fish ]

noun

, plural bone·fish·es, (especially collectively) bone·fish.

1. a marine game fish, Albula vulpes, found in shallow tropical waters, having a skeleton composed of numerous small, fine bones.
2. ladyfish.

bonefish

/ ˈbəʊnˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. a silvery marine clupeoid game fish, Albula vulpes , occurring in warm shallow waters: family Albulidae
2. a similar related fish, Dixonina nemoptera , of the Pacific Ocean

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonefish¹

An Americanism dating back to 1725–35; bone ( def ) + fish

Example Sentences

Unlike many women of the time, she was surprisingly adept around an automobile engine, and she loved to fish, traveling with my father to Florida for bonefish and to Maine for landlocked salmon.

From New York Times

So far, the Charles Darwin Scientific Station has registered 10.659 species — some endemic and others introduced — ranging from mammals to bonefish to snakes, fungi and plants, plankton and bacteria.

From Seattle Times

“Achieving a grand slam — catching a bonefish, permit and tarpon on the same day — is also possible in season. This is a momentous occasion for saltwater fly anglers.”

From Washington Post

“We saw it beginning maybe 15 years ago,” said Will Benson, a Key West native whose clients pay him $700 a day to chase bonefish, tarpon and permit in the shallow inshore waters.

From Washington Post

Before spawning, bonefish form large schools near the coast at dusk, Ajemian explains.

From National Geographic