Atlantic Saury

Identification

The Atlantic saury is a slender, elongated fish to 50 cm that at first glance resembles a garfish, though not closely related. The long, thin beak is shorter than the true garfish's. Distinctive are the series of small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins — like mackerels, hence the name. Color is silvery with a blue to green back.

Ecology

A surface fish of the open ocean. Lives in large schools in the upper water layers, hunting small fish and zooplankton. Attracted to light at night — a trait exploited in some countries for commercial fishing. A warm-water species from the (sub)tropical Atlantic.

In the Netherlands

An irregular visitor to the North Sea. Sightings occur mainly in warm late summers when warm currents reach northward. No commercial significance in Dutch waters.