Lookdown
Selene vomer
Lookdowns usually live in small schools close to the bottom. Above, lookdowns swim at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Va., on Dec. 30, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) For noncommercial use contact the Chesapeake Bay Program
The lookdown has a large mouth located low on the face. Above, a lookdown swims at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Va., on Dec. 30, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) For noncommercial use contact the Chesapeake Bay Program
A juvenile lookdown. (Photo courtesy Virginia Institute of Marine Science)
The lookdown is a silvery, flat-bodied fish that visits the lower to middle Chesapeake Bay in summer and autumn.
Appearance
The lookdown's thin, flattened, silvery body can grow to a foot or longer, but rarely exceeds 2 to 3 pounds. It has a flattened head and a large mouth located low on its face. Long, thin first rays appear on the back and anal fins, and its tail is deeply forked with a small tail base. Juveniles have long, feathery fins on their back and belly.
Feeding
The lookdown eats small worms, fish and crustaceans.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Spawning occurs with females laying eggs into the water column. Little else is known about its reproductive cycle.
Did You Know?
- The lookdown gets its name from the way it appears to “look down” as it swims.
- Lookdowns are members of the jack family, which includes amberjacks and pompanos.
Sources and Additional Information
- Fishes of Chesapeake Bay by Edward O. Murdy, Ray S. Birdsong and John A. Musick
- Lookdown – Friends of Merrymeeting Bay
Quick Facts
Species
Native
-
Size
1 foot or longer in length; weighs 2 to 3 pounds -
Habitat
Most often found in sandy areas near bridges and pilings. Usually live in small schools close to the bottom.
-
Range
Visit the lower to middle Chesapeake Bay in summer and autumn, occasionally ranging as far north as Calvert and Talbot counties in Maryland.
-
Diet
Feeds on small worms, fish and crustaceans -
Status
Stable
