Lookdown
Selene vomer

The lookdown is a silvery, flat-bodied fish that visits the lower to middle Chesapeake Bay in summer and autumn.

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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)

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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

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