Acanthocybium solandri

Description: Long, slender fish, slightly compressed; dark greenish or steel-blue above, paler below, numerous dark vertical bars extending below axis on sides. Pointed head, with snout half the length of the head; posterior part of maxilla hidden under pretrial area; strong, knifelike teeth. Dorsal fins not well separated.

Where found: OFFSHORE in warm waters. Reefs where warm current is running close inshore. In open ocean around bait fish, logs and current lines. Over deep reefs and holes on the sea bed.

Size: Common at 10-50 pounds; often grows to 80 or 90 pounds; maximum potential about 150 pounds. World record 158 pounds, 8 ounces.

Fighting Characteristics: A very fast surface run (Recorded 96 km/h), often followed by shorter runs in mid water.

Remarks: One of the fastest fish in the Ocean. Aggressive when feeding to the point of lacerating each other while hooked up. Sometimes it will jump, but generally this fish will make quick surface runs. Mouth is elongated and narrow, and equipped with razor-sharp teeth - careful!