Wolf Herring Caught Trolling In Pagbilao

Common Name:  Wolf Herring

Local Name: Buan-Buan, Bidb-bid (miss-identified) (Tagalog); ?? (Bisaya)

Max Size:   146 cm (40+kgs)

Biodiversity: Saltwater, Brackish, Reef associated

Depth:  1 – 120 meters

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit:  None

Recommended Bait/Lures:  Small fish or lures

IUCN Red List Status Status:  Not Evaluated (NE)

This sly predator is quite rare and elusive.  It is often mistaken for a Tarpon or a Ladyfish due to its silvery sides and shape.  It can be distinguished however by its large grotesque fangs and long sardine shaped body.  These can be caught on lures, trolling or with live or dead bait.

There are two main species of Wolf Herring that can be found around the country, the Whitefin and the Blackfin.  We believe this is the Blackfin (nodus) species however we are not sure.

A Wolf Herring taking on a pins minnow lure

Wayne’s Wolf Herring caught in Romblon