Species guide
How to catch Bearded brotula
Brotula barbata
saltwatergame fishOphidiidae
The bearded brotula is a saltwater fish known for its elongated body and deep-water habitat. It is found mainly on the continental shelf and can reach lengths up to 94 cm. Juveniles are often found around reefs, while adults inhabit depths up to 650 meters on sandy and muddy bottoms.
Where they live
Found in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, mostly on continental shelf sandy and muddy bottoms down to 650 meters. Juveniles frequent reef areas.
Typical size
Up to about 94 cm
What they eat
- caridean prawns
- small crustaceans
- other benthic invertebrates
Best baits
- shrimp
- small crabs
- cut bait
Best lures
- soft plastic shrimp imitations
- jigs
- small spoons
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- deep dropping
- jigging
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