bluefish

American  

[bloo-fish] / ˈbluˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

bluefish,

plural

bluefishes

1. a predaceous, marine, bluish or greenish food fish, Pomatomus saltatrix, inhabiting Atlantic coastal waters of North and South America.

2. any of various fishes, usually of a bluish color.

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bluefish British  

/ ˈbluːˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. Also called: snapper.  a predatory bluish marine percoid food and game fish, Pomatomus saltatrix , related to the horse mackerel: family Pomatomidae

2. any of various other bluish fishes

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Etymology

Origin of bluefish

An Americanism dating back to 1615–25; blue + fish

Example Sentences

Menhaden are, Jackson announced, “the most important fish in the sea. They’re the linchpin that converts phytoplankton into a biomass that brings striped bass, bluefish, porpoises, tuna, and whales around.”

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2024

For instance, water quality along Long Island has improved in recent years, letting bluefish and bunker fish flourish and increasing the odds that predators like sharks will seek them out.

From Washington Times • Aug. 10, 2023

Appetizers like croquettes, sardine toasts, smoked bluefish rillettes or a terrine can be followed by larger plates like roast chicken.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2021

Menhaden, called the most important fish in the bay by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, are an important food source for predator fish, including striped bass, bluefish and weakfish, and birds and whales.

From Washington Post • Jul. 30, 2021

“We released the bluefish, but Macon is cleaning the sheepshead down at the pier.”

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn