Once classified as a single species worldwide in the tropics, recent research has identified more than eight species of bonefishes worldwide. Until 2001, the shallow-water populations of Caribbean bonefish were assumed to be a single species, Albula vulpes. In 2001, genetics research identified a second bonefish species that also inhabits shallow water – Albula species B (sometimes called Albula garcia). We do not yet know which species is/are in the recreational fishery. Clearly, we need to know this information for effective conservation and management. So far, the adult bonefish we’ve sampled in the Caribbean have all been identified as Albula vulpes, but we haven’t sampled in nearly enough locations or sampled enough bonefish. We can also use the genetic information to determine the extent that bonefish populations in different locations are related, which will be useful for regional management. How do we sample? We cut small (1/4”) triangles of tissue from the dorsal fins, and use the tissue for genetic analysis. If you like to fish for bonefish and want to help, please send me an email and I’ll get a fin clip kit to you.

A bonefish being released

We’ve also been trying to figure out what habitats juvenile bonefish (< 6”) use. We’ve caught a lot of juveniles along sandy beaches in the Florida Keys and Belize, but 94% of these juveniles have been Albula species B. In other words, not the species that is in the recreational fishery. Juvenile Albula vulpes have been caught in the Bahamas, but only a few here or there.

A juvenile bonefish from Belize

We’re also working on how fast bonefish grow. We thought we knew the answer, based on research in the Florida Keys in the 1990s, but after some sampling in the Caribbean, we’re not so sure. Based on sampling so far, it appears that bonefish in the Caribbean grow at a slower rate than bonefish in the Florida Keys. How do we determine bonefish age?  Unfortunately, we have to sacrifice bonefish, but it’s for a good scientific cause, and will contribute to management and conservation. We remove their otoliths (earbones), slice it into thin sections using a special saw, and read annual growth rings in the otoliths, similar to growth rings in trees.  We’re trying to sample around the Caribbean.

A bonefish otolith that has been sliced to reveal the growth rings

All material copyright Aaron Adams 2007, 2008, and beyond, unless noted.