Overview Species Guide Regulations Licenses Fisheries Data

Pacific Butterfish

Peprilus simillimus

Also known as

California Pompano, Pacific Pompano, Dollarfish

IUCN status

Least Concern

About the Pacific Butterfish

The Pacific Butterfish, often mistaken for a true pompano due to its similar shape, is a small, disc-shaped fish with a remarkably compressed, silvery body that can exhibit iridescent blue-green hues on its back. Its small mouth and deeply forked caudal fin contribute to its streamlined appearance. Reaching up to 28 centimeters (about 11 inches) in length, it's a sleek and agile swimmer.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

These schooling fish prefer coastal waters, frequently found over sandy bottoms, near kelp beds, and in open water close to shore. They can inhabit depths from the surface down to around 100 meters, often congregating in areas with rich plankton supplies.

Distribution

Primarily found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Butterfish ranges from the Baja California peninsula in Mexico northward along the coast to British Columbia, Canada, occasionally reaching southeastern Alaska.

Behaviour

Pacific Butterfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily preying on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and larval fish, often filtering them from the water column. They are highly migratory, forming large schools that move seasonally along the coast, typically heading north in warmer months and south when temperatures drop. Their schooling behavior provides a measure of safety from predators like larger fish and marine mammals.

Edibility

★★★★★

Considered excellent table fare, the Pacific Butterfish boasts delicate, rich, and very flavorful white flesh that truly earns its 'butterfish' name. It can be prepared in various ways, from pan-frying and broiling to baking, and is particularly prized for its high fat content which keeps it moist.

Lure suggestion

For anglers targeting Pacific Butterfish, light tackle is paramount. Small baited hooks (sizes #8-12) with tiny pieces of squid, shrimp, or mussel are highly effective, especially when fished near the bottom or in the water column. Sabiki rigs are also excellent for catching multiple fish. Small, flashy jigs or even fly patterns can entice bites from these schooling fish.