Geographic range: In temperate and tropical coastal marine waters throughout the world, except the eastern Pacific. From Maine through eastern Florida along the U.S. Atlantic coast.

Habitat: Eggs are released into the open ocean. Larvae develop into juveniles near the surface in continental shelf waters and eventually move to estuarine and nearshore shelf habitats. Juveniles prefer sandy bottoms but will also inhabit mud, silt, or clay bottoms or vegetated areas. Adults use both inshore and offshore areas and favor warmer water.

Life span: Moderately long - up to 14 years

Food: Bluefish are voracious predators, feeding primarily on squid and fish, particularly menhaden and smaller fish such as silversides. Bluefish exhibit feeding behavior called the "bluefish blitz," where large schools of big fish attack bait fish near the surface, churning the water like a washing machine.

Growth rate: Fast.

Maximum size: Up to 31 pounds and 39 inches

Reaches reproductive maturity: At age 2, between 15 and 20 inches in length

Reproduction: Bluefish spawn multiple times throughout their spawning season. Depending on their size, females release 400,000 to 2,000,000 eggs.

Spawning season: Spring and summer

Spawning grounds: In the western North Atlantic Ocean, offshore from Massachusetts to Florida

Migrations: Bluefish migrate seasonally, moving north in spring and summer as water temperatures rise and moving south in autumn and winter to waters in the South Atlantic Bight.

Predators: Sharks, tunas, and billfishes are the only predators large and fast enough to prey on adult bluefish. Oceanic birds prey on juvenile bluefish.

Commercial or recreational interest: Both

Distinguishing characteristics: Bluefish are blue-green on the back and silvery on the sides and belly. They have a pointed snout and a prominent jaw, with sharp, compressed teeth.