(Courtesy of Raffield Fisheries, Inc.)
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Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) These fish are very compressed with grayish blue backs and silvery sides and belly. They are usually less than 10" (25cm) in length, and are identified by the lack of pelvic fins, long anal fin and large eyes. Their scales are quite small, and easily come off when touched. Travelling in large schools, these fish prey upon shrimp, squid, small pelagic fish, and occasionally comb jellies or jellyfish. When in Narragansett Bay from April to August, they swim along the surface above sandy bottoms, and migrate to deeper waters in the fall as the Bay water cools. |