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Species · Lookalikes

Atlantic BumperorAtlantic Moonfish

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of an Atlantic Bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), side view, on a white background
Atlantic BumperChloroscombrus chrysurus
Studio photograph of an Atlantic Moonfish (Selene setapinnis), side view, on a white background
Atlantic MoonfishSelene setapinnis

Rules for both fish from 1 state rulebooks, checked Sep 18, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Atlantic Bumper

Little slab-sided jack with a black saddle on the tail base and a belly that sags below a straight back.

Atlantic Moonfish

A vertical silver dish with a steep face and thin body; no trailing streamers.

Atlantic moonfish, next to Atlantic bumper: steeper forehead, no tail-base spot.

Side by side

Atlantic BumperAtlantic Moonfish
Scientific nameChloroscombrus chrysurusSelene setapinnis
Also called——
WatersInshoreInshore
Heaviest state record0 lb 4.52 oz · Mississippi (2019)1 lb 14.38 oz · Mississippi (2006)
On the tableSmall and bony — bait grade.Thin but tasty panfish.
Rules of its own in1 states1 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

Where either fish has a rule, the two are regulated the same. The name still goes in the log and on the tally.

StateAtlantic Bumper: size · bag · seasonAtlantic Moonfish: size · bag · season
North CarolinaNo size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenNC DMF 2026 · checked No size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenNC DMF 2026 · checked

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, Atlantic bumper or Atlantic moonfish, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell Atlantic bumper from Atlantic moonfish?

Atlantic Bumper: Little slab-sided jack with a black saddle on the tail base and a belly that sags below a straight back. Atlantic Moonfish: A vertical silver dish with a steep face and thin body; no trailing streamers. Atlantic moonfish, next to Atlantic bumper: steeper forehead, no tail-base spot.

Which gets bigger, Atlantic bumper or Atlantic moonfish?

Atlantic Moonfish. The heaviest state record we hold is 1 lb 14.38 oz in Mississippi; the heaviest Atlantic bumper record is 0 lb 4.52 oz in Mississippi.

Which is better to eat, Atlantic bumper or Atlantic moonfish?

Atlantic Bumper: Small and bony — bait grade. Atlantic Moonfish: Thin but tasty panfish.

Do Atlantic bumper and Atlantic moonfish have the same limits?

Yes, in every state that regulates either one. The table on this page lists each rule with its source and check date.