AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Albula vulpes
Bonefish
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A silvery, streamlined fish with a conical snout and a small, underslung mouth. Its body is adapted for life on sandy flats, featuring a coloration that provides excellent camouflage against light-colored bottoms.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Albuliformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Albulidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Albula
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical shallow coastal waters, particularly over sandy and muddy flats, seagrass beds, and mangrove channels.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly active during incoming tides, they move onto shallow flats to forage for prey. They are generally wary and easily frightened by vibrations or shadows.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Often found in small groups or schools, especially when moving onto flats, though larger adults may be solitary.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic forager/carnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet primarily consists of benthic invertebrates, including small crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and polychaete worms. Preyed upon by larger predatory fish and sharks.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Spawning takes place in deeper oceanic waters, and the larvae eventually drift back to shallow coastal areas to mature.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 90.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
500 g - 8.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10000 - 50000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
--
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 15 Years
Females5 - 15 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a specialized, highly sensitive snout for rooting in sand to find buried invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.
Leptocephalus larval stage allows for long-distance oceanic transport before settling into nursery habitats.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by the degradation of shallow-water coastal habitats, particularly seagrass beds and mangroves, due to coastal development and pollution.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Bonefish are world-renowned game fish among fly fishermen for their incredible speed and fighting power when hooked in shallow water.