Selene setapinnis
How to identify a Atlantic Moonfish
Atlantic Moonfish are found in coastal bays, estuaries, beaches, jetties, reefs, and continental-shelf waters. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

EnvironmentSaltwater
SeasonVaries by migration, temperature, region, and regulation
Habitat and range
Coastal bays, estuaries, beaches, jetties, reefs, and continental-shelf waters
Where to catch Atlantic Moonfish
- Open ocean / drift lines — all species we list for this fishery
- California offshore — all species we list for this fishery
- Atlantic Europe — all species we list for this fishery
- IWP offshore — all species we list for this fishery
Atlantic Moonfish by state
State season calendars that list Atlantic Moonfish — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- California — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Species-dependent · baitfish · squid · shrimp · crabs · worms · jigs · spoons · plugs · or flies
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Atlantic Moonfish:
- Atlantic Needlefish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Atlantic Pomfret — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Atlantic Saury — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Atlantic Spadefish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Atlantic Stargazer — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Atlantic Threadfin — identification & profile (Saltwater)
Monthly bite brief
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Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
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