dollarfish

fish

Also known as: Poronotus triacanthus

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

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The term "dollarfish" primarily refers to the small marine butterfish, Poronotus triacanthus. This fish is characterized by its laterally compressed, oval, and silvery body, common along the Atlantic coast of the northern and middle United States during summer. It belongs to the family Stromateidae and is known for its small mouth, forked tail, and single dorsal fin. Young dollarfish are noted for seeking shelter among jellyfish tentacles. The dollarfish is also commonly called the harvest fish.12

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butterfish
Certain butterfishes, such as the dollarfish (Poronotus triacanthus), are noted for taking shelter when young among the tentacles of jellyfishes. The dollarfish and several other species of butterfishes are commonly used as food. Among these are the harvest fish (Peprilus alepidotus), an Atlantic species that usually grows to about 20…
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Certain butterfishes, such as the dollarfish (Poronotus triacanthus), are noted for taking shelter when young among the tentacles of jellyfishes. The dollarfish and several other species of butterfishes are commonly used as food. Among these are the harvest fish (Peprilus alepidotus), an Atlantic species that usually grows to about 20…
Read More