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Saltwater Fish Identification Guide |
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Illustrations by Diane Rome Peebles |
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Fish Pictures
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Species
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Family
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Description
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Found
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Size
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Remarks
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Bluefish
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Pomatomidae, BLUEFISHES
Pomatomus saltatrix
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Color blue or greenish blue on
back, sides silvery; mouth large; teeth prominent, sharp,
and compressed; dorsal and anal fins nearly the same size;
scales small; lateral line almost straight.
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Young usually Inshore spring and
summer, moving Offshore to join adults fall and winter;
strong migration of northeast Atlantic stock to Florida east
coast in winter.
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most west coast
catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east coast. Florida
Record: 22 lbs., 3 ozs. |
Travels in large schools,
following schools of baitfish; cannibalistic; all members of
a given school about the same size; spawning occurs Offshore
in spring and summer.
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Bonefish
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Albulidae, BONEFISHES Albula
vulpes
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Silvery color with bluish or
greenish back; slender, round body; snout long, conical,
aiming downward and overhanging lower jaw; dark streaks
between scales on upper half of body and faint crossbands
extending down to lateral line; extremities of dorsal and
caudal fins shaded with black.
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Primarily Inshore fish
inhabiting shallows of the Florida Keys; found in shallows
often less than 1 foot deep, usually over lush grass flats,
occasionally over white sand.
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3 to 5 pounds.
Florida Record: 15 lbs., 6 ozs. |
Travels in loose schools; roots
out shrimp, shellfish, crabs, and fish from the bottom;
spawns Offshore, eggs hatching into ribbon-like larvae that
metamorphose into fish-like form at about 2 inches and move
Inshore.
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Cobia (ling)
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Rachycentridae, COBIA
Rachycentron canadum
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Long, slim fish with broad
depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw; dark
lateral stripe extends through eye to tail; first dorsal fin
comprised of 7 to 9 free spines; when young, has conspicuous
alternating black and white horizontal stripes.
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Both Inshore and Near shore
inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently
seen around bouys, pilings, and wrecks.
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common to 30
pounds. Florida Record: 103 lbs., 12 ozs.
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Spawns in spring and early
summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish.
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Atlantic Croaker
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Micropogonias undulatus
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Inferior mouth; 3 to 5 pairs of
small barbels on chin; silver-gray or bronze body with dark
oblique wavy bars or lines; iridescent especially on head;
preopercle strongly serrated.
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Generally found north of Tampa
Bay on the west coast and north of Cape Canaveral on the
east coast; young fish found in estuaries; older fish (2 to
3 years) inhabit deep Offshore waters during the winter
months and move into bays and estuaries during the spring,
summer and fall.
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usually less
than 2 pounds. Florida Record: n/a
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During spawning becomes bronze
or yellow in color; spawning apparently occurs Offshore in
fall; longevity 2 to 4 years.
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Black Drum
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Pogonias cromis
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High arched back; 10 to 14 pairs
of chin barbels; gray or black colored body in adults; young
have 4 to 6 vertical bars; has cobblestone-like teeth
capable of crushing oysters; scales large.
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Inshore fish common to bays and
lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also
Offshore.
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common to 30
pounds. Florida Record: 93 lbs
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Largest member of the drum
family; spawns Near shore in winter and early spring; feeds
on oysters, mussels, crabs, shrimp and occasionally fish;
longevity to 35 or more years.
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Red Drum (redfish)
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Sciaenops ocellatus
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Chin without barbels; copper
bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many
spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal
and opening downward; scales large.
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Juveniles are an Inshore fish,
migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years)
and joining the spawning population Offshore.
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one of 27 inches
weighs about 8 pounds. Florida Record: 51 lbs., 8 ozs
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Red drum are an Inshore species
until they attain roughly 30 inches (4 years), then they
migrate to join the Near shore population; spawning occurs
from August to November in Near shore waters; sudden cold
snaps may kill red drum in shallow, Inshore waters; feeds on
crustaceans, fish and mollusks; longevity to 20 years or
more.
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Gulf Flounder
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Bothidae, LEFTEYE FLOUNDERS
Paralichthys albigutta -
southern flounder, P.
lethostigma (no eye-like spots; color pattern is key to
distinguishing the two species).
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Body color brown, its shade
depending on color of bottom, with numerous spots and
blotches; 3 prominent eye-like spots forming a triangle; one
spot on lateral line, one above, one below; numerous white
spots scattered over body and fins (albigutta,
white-spotted); strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin in
shape of wedge, its tip in the middle.
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Inshore on sandy or mud bottoms,
often ranging into tidal creeks; occasionally caught on Near
shore rocky reefs.
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common to 2
pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder. Florida
Record: n/a |
hatches into usual fish form,
but right eye migrates over to left side early in life; a
bottom dweller; thought to spawn Offshore; feeds on
crustaceans and small fishes.
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Sand Seatrout
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Drums
Cynoscion arenarius
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Pale body color, yellow above,
silver to white below; one or two prominent canine teeth
usually at tip of upper jaw; inside of mouth yellow; no
well-defined black spots on back; 10 to 12 soft rays in anal
fin; no chin barbels.
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A Gulf species that may occur in
the Atlantic waters of extreme south-eastern Florida; adults
predominantly found Inshore residing in bays and inlets but
may move Offshore during winter months; young occur Inshore
in shallow bays.
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usually less
than 1 pound (10 to 12 inches). Florida Record: n/a
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Matures during first or second
year; prolonged Inshore spawning season extends through
spring and summer; feeds mainly on small fish and shrimp.
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Silver Seatrout
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Cynoscion nothus
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Pale straw colored above,
silvery sides and white below; no distinctive pigmentation,
although faint diagonal lines may be present on upper body;
8 to 9 rays in the anal fin; large eyes; short snout; one or
two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper
jaw; lower half of tail longer than upper half.
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Most common over sand or sandy
mud bottoms Offshore along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts
of Florida; migrates into bays during cold months.
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usually no more
than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches)Florida Record: n/a |
Smallest seatrout; spawns
Offshore in deep water during spring, summer and fall; feeds
on small fish and shrimp.
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Spotted Seatrout
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Cynoscion nebulosus
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Dark gray or green above, with
sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous
distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal
fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels;
no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent
canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.
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Inshore and/or Near shore over
grass, sand and sandy bottoms; move into slow-moving or
still, deep waters in cold weather.
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common to 4
pounds on west coast, larger on east coast. Florida Record:
15 lbs., 6 ozs. |
Matures during first or second
year and spawns Inshore from March through November; often
in association with seagrass beds; lives mainly in estuaries
and moves only short distances; adults feed mainly on shrimp
and small fish; prefers water temperatures between 58 and 81
degrees F and may be killed if trapped in shallow water
during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years.
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Silver Perch (yellowtail)
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Bairdiella chrysoura
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Color silvery with yellowish
fins; no spots; no chin barbels; no prominent canine teeth
at tip of upper jaw; preopercle finely serrated; 5 to 6 chin
pores; mouth terminal.
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Inshore in seagrass beds, tidal
creeks and rivers, and marshes.
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small, not
exceeding 9 inches. Florida Record: n/a |
Spawning takes place in shallow,
saline portions of bays and other Inshore areas, peaking
between May and September; matures by second or third year
(by 6 inches); adults eat crustaceans and small fishes; may
live to 6 years.
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Weakfish
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Sciaenidae, Drums
Cynoscion regalis
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Dark olive or blue-green back;
sides covered in tones of blue, purple, lavender, gold and
copper; irregular diagonal rows of vaguely-defined dark
spots appear above the lateral line; 1 to 2 prominent canine
teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw; black margin on
tip of the tongue; pelvic and anal fins yellow; pectoral
fins olive on outside, yellow underneath; mouth yellow
inside.
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An Atlantic coast fish, possibly
found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move Inshore
and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlets,
bays, channels and estuaries; adults move Offshore and south
during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve
as nurseries.
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2 to 3 pounds.
Florida Record: 10 lbs. |
may mature as early as age 1;
spawns in Near shore or estuarine areas between April and
October; schooling fish; feeds primarily on shrimp and fish.
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White Grunt
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Haemulidae, GRUNTS
Haemulon plumieri
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Body color light bluish-gray,
head with horizontal blue stripes, white underbelly; black
blotch on preopercle; margin of each scale bronze; large
bright orange mouth; scales above lateral line larger than
scales below lateral line.
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From SHORE to the outer reef
edge or on Offshore hard bottom to 115 feet; most abundant
in water less than 80 feet deep; juveniles Inshore.
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most catches 1.5
pounds (15 inches). Florida Record: n/a |
Audible grunting is produced by
grinding of the pharyngeal teeth, with air bladder acting as
amplifyer; spawning occurs on Offshore hard bottoms or reefs
from May through June; feeds on crustaceans, mollusks and
small fishes.
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American Shad
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Clupeidae, HERRINGS
Alosa sapidissima
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Color of back green or greenish
blue with silvery sides, white underneath (colors darken
when fish enters fresh water to spawn); belly with scutes
forming distinct keel; one or more dark spots in a row
behind operculum; lower jaw with pointed tip that fits into
v-shaped notch in upper jaw.
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Offshore except during late
winter spawning run into east coast rivers, notably the St.
Johns River.
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most catches 2
to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds. Florida Record: n/a |
Anadromous species, coming into
fresh water to spawn; young remain in fresh water to length
of 2 to 4 inches, then move out to sea; plankton feeder, but
strikes small,bright spoons or flies; their roe (as many as
30,000 in a single female) is prized, the flesh full of fork
bones.
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Black Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Mycteroperca bonaci
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Olive or gray body coloration
with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded
preopercle
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Offshore species; adults
associated with rocky bottoms, reef, and drop off walls in
water over 60 feet deep; young may occur Inshore in shallow
water.
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common to 40 pounds, may attain
weights exceeding 100 pounds. no Florida record
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Spawns between May and August;
protogynous hermaphrodites, young predominantly female,
transforming into males as they grow larger; larger
individuals generally in greater depths; feeds on fish and
squid.
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Gag Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
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brownish gray in color with dark
worm-like markings on sides; strong serrated spur at bottom
margin of preopercle, less noticeable in large specimens;
fins dark, with anal and caudal having white margin. Often
confused with black grouper; tail of gag is slightly
concave, black is square; gag has white margin on anal and
caudal fins, black does not; under 10 pounds, gag's spur on
preopercle is distinctive, where black is gently rounded.
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adults Offshore over rocks and
reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds Inshore.
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common to 25 pounds.
*Florida Record: 71 lbs., 3 ozs.
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forms spawning aggregations in
water no shallower than 120 feet in Middle Grounds area,
January through March; current reseach to identify similar
aggregations off Atlantic coast is ongoing. Young gags are
predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow
larger; feeds on fish and squid.
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Goliath Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Epinephelus itajara
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head and fins covered with small
black spots; irregular dark and vertical bars present on the
sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first
dorsal fin shorter than and not separated from second
dorsal; adults huge, up to 800 pounds; eyes small.
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Near shore often around docks,
in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in
estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in
southern Florida than in northern waters.
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largest of the groupers.
*Florida Record: 680 lbs.
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spawns over summer months;
lifespan of 30 to 50 years; feeds on crustaceans and fish.
NOTE: Goliath grouper, commonly called jewfish, are totally
protected from harvest in Florida waters.
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Nassau Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Epinephelus striatus
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color light background with
brown or red-brown bars on sides; stripe in shape of tuning
fork on forehead; third spine of dorsal longer than second ;
pelvic fins shorter than pectorals; black dots around the
eyes; large black saddle on caudal peduncle.
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range limited to south Florida;
somewhat site specific; smaller individuals Near shore,
adults Offshore on rocky reefs.
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most catches under 10 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
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forms large spawning
aggregations, making this species highly vulnerable to
overharvest. NOTE: all harvest of this species is
prohibited.
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Red Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Epinephelus morio
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color brownish red; lining of
mouth scarlet-orange; blotches on sides in unorganized
pattern; second spine of dorsal fin longer than others;
pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; squared off tail;
margin of soft dorsal black with white at midfin; black dots
around the eyes.
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bottom dwelling fish associated
with hard bottom; juveniles Offshore along with adults
greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years occupy Near
shore reefs.
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common to 15 pounds.
*Florida Record: 39 lbs., 8 ozs.
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spawns in April and May; prefer
water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F; undergoes
sex reversal, young individual females becoming males as
they age; lifespan of at least 25 years; feeds on squid,
crustaceans, and fish.
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Scamp GROUPER
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Mycteroperca phenax
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color light gray or brown; large
adults with elongated caudal-fin rays; reddish brown spots
on sides that tend to be grouped into lines; some yellow
around corners of mouth.
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Near shore reefs off the
northeastern coast, and on Offshore reefs in the Gulf.
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generally smaller than gags or
blacks.
*Florida Record: 28 lbs.
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spawns in late spring; feeds on
small fish, squid, and crustaceans; undergoes sex
transformation from female to male as it becomes older.
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Yellowfin Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Mycteroperca venenosa
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color highly variable greenish
olive or bright red with longitudinal rows of darker black
blotches over entire fish; outer one third of pectoral fins
bright yellow; lower parts of larger fish with small bright
red spots.
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Offshore on reefs off southern
portions of Florida.
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common to 20 pounds.
*Florida Record: 34 lbs., 6 ozs.
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undergoes sex reversal from
female to male in latter part of life; specific name
translates to "venomous," alluding to the fact that this
fish, perhaps more frequently than other groupers, is
associated with ciguatera poisoning; feeds on fish and
squid.
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Yellowmouth Grouper
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Mycteroperca interstitialis
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color tan or brown with darker
spots, or a network of spots, fused into lines; distinct
yellow wash behind the jaws; yellow around the eyes; outer
edges of fins yellowish.
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Offshore over reefs and rocks;
not as common as scamp in the Gulf; range limited to
southern Florida.
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common to 15 pounds.
*Florida Record: 28 lbs.
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undergoes sex reversal, young
individuals female, older individuals becoming male; young
fish are bicolored, dark above white below; feeds on small
fsh and crustaceans.
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Bank Sea Bass
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Centropristis ocyurus
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pale olive or brassy brown in
color with indistinct black blotches that form vertical
barrings (the blotch above pectoral fin darker); wavy blue
lines on head; lips purplish-blue; caudal fin tri-lobed on
adults; edge of nape unscaled.
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Offshore in deep water with
rocks and reefs.
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usually 0.3 pound (8 inches).
*Florida Record: n/a
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undergoes sex change, starting
life as female, changing to male after three or four
spawning seasons; feeds on the bottom, taking squid,
crustaceans, and small fish.
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Black Sea Bass
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Centropristis striata
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basic color dark brown or black;
dorsal fin has rows and stripes of white on black; large
males have irridescent blue and ebony markings, and fatty
hump in front of dorsal fin; females may have indistinct
vertical barrings; topmost ray of caudal fin much elongated
in adults; caudal may be tri-lobed; sharp spine near
posterior margin of gill cover.
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structure-loving fish,
associated with reefs and rubble Offshore; smaller specimens
often found Inshore finger channels.
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common to 1.5 pounds (13
inches).
*Florida Record: 5 lbs., 1 oz.
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spawns January through March;
protogynous hermaphrodites, older females becoming breeding
males; omnivorous bottom feeders, diet including small fish,
crustaceans, and shellfish.
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Rock Sea Bass
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Serranidae, Sea Basses and
Grouper
Centropristis philadelphica
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color olive-brown or bronze,
with dark blotches forming vertical bars; dark black blotch
on middle of dorsal fin base; tip of lower jaw purplish;
bright blue and orange stripes and markings on head and
fins; fully scaled nape; tail tri-lobed in adults.
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Offshore; differs from other sea
basses in that it is often found on sandy or muddy bottoms.
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small species rarely more than
10 inches.
*Florida Record: n/a
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spawns January through March;
young adults are predominently female, transforming into
males as they grow older; maximum size about 10 inches.
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Almaco Jack
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Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Seriola rivoliana
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a deep-bodied amberjack;
sometimes darker in coloration; front of soft dorsal and of
anal fins high and elongated; body more flattened than
banded rudderfish or greater amberjack; no scutes.
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wide-ranging in Offshore waters,
not a common catch; young are associated with Sargassum.
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usually less than 20 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
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spawns Offshore, apparently
during spring, summer, and fall.
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Banded Rudderfish
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Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Seriola zonata
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fish less than 11 inches long
have dark band from eye to first dorsal fin and six
prominent bars on body; larger fish are bluish, greenish, or
brown; soft dorsal base about twice the length of the anal
fin; tail-lobe white tipped.
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Near shore and Offshore over
hard bottom, generally in shallower water than other
amberjacks; young associated with weed lines or floating
debris and may follow sharks and other large fish.
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usually less than 10 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
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adults feed on fish and shrimp;
spawns Offshore most of year.
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Blue Runner
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Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Caranx crysos
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color light olive to bluish
green above; silvery gray to golden below; frequently black
spot on operculum; readily distinguished from crevalle jack
by lack of black blotch on pectoral fin; tail tips blackish.
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juveniles found Offshore; adults
Near shore in schools, but sometimes ranging Inshore as
well.
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usually less than 1 pound (11
inches).
*Florida Record: 7 lbs.
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matures by 9 to 10 inches;
spawns Offshore from January through August; young form
schools associated with floating objects, and have been
observed living inside the bell of jellyfish; adults feed on
fish, shrimp, and squid.
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Crevalle Jack
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Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Caranx hippos
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color bluish-green to
greenish-gold back and silvery or yellowish belly; soft
dorsal and anal fins almost identical in size; prominent
black spot on operculum (gill cover); black spot at the base
of each pectoral fin; no scales on throat.
|
common in both Inshore waters
and the open sea.
|
usually 3 to 5 pounds.
*Florida Record: 51 lbs.
|
tolerates a wide range of
salinities; schools corner a school of baitfish at the
surface and feed with commotion that can be seen at great
distances; feeds mainly on small fish; peak spawning occurs
Offshore from March through September.
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Greater Amberjack
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Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Seriola dumerili
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dark stripe (variably present)
extends from nose to in front of dorsal fin and "lights up"
when fish is in feeding mode; no scutes; soft dorsal base
less than twice the length of the anal fin base.
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Offshore species associated with
rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60 - 240 feet
of water; sometimes caught Near shore in south Florida;
juveniles associated with floating objects and may occur in
water less than 30 feet deep.
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common to 40 pounds.
*Florida Record: 142 lbs.
|
largest of the jacks; thought to
spawn Offshore throughout most of the year; feeds on squid,
fish, and crustaceans.
|
|

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Lesser Amberjack
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Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Seriola fasciata
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olive green or brownish black
and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends
upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides;
proportionately larger eye and deeper body than greater
amberjack.
|
NEASHORE and Offshore,
apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180 -
410 feet deep).
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usually under 10 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
smallest of the amberjacks;
believed to spawn Offshore; adults eat fish and squid.
|
|

|
Florida Pompano
|
Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Trachinotus carolinus
|
greenish gray on back, shading
to silvery sides; fish in dark waters showing gold on
throat, pelvic, and anal fins; deep flattened body with
small mouth; no scutes; 22 to 27 soft dorsal rays; 20 to 23
soft anal rays; origin of anal fin slightly behind origin of
second dorsal.
|
Inshore and Near shore waters,
especially along sandy beaches, along oyster banks, and over
grassbeds, often in turbid water; may be found in water as
deep as 130 feet.
|
usually less than 3 pounds.
*Florida Record: 8 lbs, 1 oz
|
spawns Offshore between March
and September; feeds on mollusks and crustaceans, especially
sand fleas; local movements are influenced by the tide, and
seasonal movements are influenced by temperature.
|
|

|
Palometa
|
Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Trachinotus goodei
|
grayish-blue-green on top of
head and along the back; bright silvery sides; yellow on
breast; elongated dorsal and anal fins; dusky or black with
bluish edges; deep body, with four narrow bars high on the
sides, and traces of a fifth fin nearer the tail; no scutes.
|
in clear water along sandy
beaches and bays, occasionally found over reefs; most common
in south Florida.
|
rarely over 1 pound, reported to
3 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
thought to spawn Offshore in
spring, summer, and fall; has shown rapid growth in
mariculture experiments; readily strikes small artificial
lures.
|
|

|
Permit
|
Carangidae, Jacks & Pompanos
Trachinotus falcatus
|
color gray, dark or iridescent
blue above, shading to silvery sides, in dark waters showing
golden tints around breast; small permit have teeth on
tongue (none on pompano); no scutes; dorsal fin insertion
directly above that of the anal fin; 17 to 21 soft anal
rays.
|
Offshore on wrecks and debris,
Inshore on grass flats, sand flats, and in channels; most
abundant in south Florida, with smaller specimens from every
coastal county.
|
common to 25 pounds.
*Florida Record: 51 lbs., 8 ozs.
|
feeds mainly on bottom-dwelling
crabs, shrimp, small clams, and small fish.
|
|

|
Cero (cero mackerel)
|
Scombridae, Mackerels & Tinas
Scomberomorous regalis
|
color of back iridescent bluish
green; sides silvery, yellow spots forming lines above and
below a bronze stripe from pectoral fin to base of tail;
front of first dorsal fin is bluish black; lateral line
curves gradually to base of caudal fin.
|
Near shore and Offshore fish
occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral
reefs and wrecks.
|
common to 5 pounds.
*Florida Record: 15 lbs., 8 ozs.
|
unlike other mackerels, does not
stray far from south Florida waters; spawns Offshore in
midsummer; feeds on small fish and squid.
|
|

|
King Mackerel
|
Scombridae, Mackerels & Tinas
Scomberomorous cavalla
|
color of back iridescent bluish
green; sides silvery, streamlined body with tapered head; no
black pigment on front of dorsal fin; lateral line starts
high and drops sharply below the second dorsal fin; young
fish often have yellow spots like those of the Spanish
mackerel.
|
Near shore and Offshore,
occasionally taken from piers running into deep water.
|
common to 20 pounds.
*Florida Record: 90 lbs
|
schooling fish that migrates fom
south Florida waters in winter to more northerly waters in
spring; Gulf population thought to be separate from Atlantic
population, with considerable mixing in winter from Cape
Canaveral past Key West; spawns in midsummer Offshore; feeds
on small fish and squid.
|
|

|
Spanish Mackerel
|
Scombridae, Mackerels & Tinas
Scomberomorous maculatus
|
color of back green, shading to
silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and
below lateral line; front of dorsal fin black; lateral line
curves gently to base of tail.
|
Inshore, Near shore and
Offshore, especially over grass beds and reefs; absent from
north Florida waters in winter.
|
average catch less than 2 pounds
(20 inches).
*Florida Record: 12 lbs.
|
schooling fish that migrates
northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when
water temperature drops below 70 degrees F; spawns Offshore,
spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid.
|
|

|
Fantail Mullet
|
Mugilidae, Mullets
Mugil gyrans
|
color olive green with blue
tints on back, shading to silvery sides, white below; anal
and pelvic fins yellowish; dark blotch at base of pectoral
fin; inverted V-shaped mouth; insertion of second dorsal
over that of anal fin.
|
Inshore, occuring along beaches
in the fall.
|
small mullet, less than 1 pound.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
spawns in Near shore or possibly
Inshore waters during spring and summer; juveniles occur
Inshore; feeds on algae, small crustaceans and detritus
|
|

|
Striped (Black) Mullet
|
Mugilidae, MulletsMugil
cephalus
|
color bluish-gray or green
above, shading to silver on sides with distinct horizontal
black barrings, white below; fins lightly scaled at base,
unscaled above; blunt nose and small mouth; second dorsal
fin originates behind that of the dorsal fin.
|
Inshore.
|
roe mullet common to 3 pounds
but in aquariums known to reach 12 pounds or more.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
adults migrate Offshore in large
schools to spawn; juveniles migrate Inshore at about 1 inch
in size, moving far up tidal creeks; frequent leapers; feeds
on algae, detritus and other tiny marine forms.
|
|

|
Jolthead Porgy
|
Sparidae, Porgies
Calamus bajonado
|
Generally silvery to brassy,
with a bluish cast. Front of head brown, with blue line
along lower rim of eye; a whitish stripe below eye, and
another between eye and mouth; corner of mouth orange.
|
Coastal waters to 45 m (150
ft.)., R.I., Bermuda, and n. Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
|
To 2 ft.and 8 lbs
|
Regarded as a good fish, but may
cause ciguatera.
|
|

|
Knobbed Porgy
|
Sparidae, Porgies
Calamus nodosus
|
Body deep; front profile very
steep. Nape projects strongly in large adults. Body
generally silvery, with a rosy cast; cheek and snout dark
purplish gray, with many bronze spots. Large blue spot at
axil of pectoral fin.
|
hardbottom, reefs, ledges. N.C.
to s. Fla. and entire Gulf of Mexico.
|
To 18"
|
|
|

|
Pinfish
|
paridae, Porgies
Lagodon rhomboides
|
small mouth with incisor-like
teeth; distinctive black spot behind the gill cover; body
bluish-silver with blue and orange-yellow horizontal
stripes, yellow fins..
|
seagrass beds, bridges, piers,
marker pilings, and around natural and artificial reefs;
spawn Offshore.
|
usually less than 8 inches.
|
popular live bait, notorious
bait stealers.
|
|

|
Red Porgy
|
Sparidae, Porgies
Pagrus pagrus
|
the only American porgy with a
near nostril that is round (not slit-like); head and body
silvery red, with many tiny blue spots.
|
deeper part of continental
shelf, but young occur in water as shallow as 60ft.
|
to 3 ft.
|
|
|

|
Sheepshead
|
Sparidae, Porgies
Archosargus probatocephalus
|
basic silvery color; with 5 or 6
distinct vertical black bands on sides, not always the same
on both sides; prominent teeth, including incisors, molars,
and rounded grinders; no barbels on lower jaw; strong and
sharp spines on dorsal and anal fins.
|
Inshore species around oyster
bars, seawalls and in tidal creeks; moves Near shore in late
winter and early spring for spawning, gathering over debris,
artificial reefs and around navigation markers.
|
Inshore, 1 to 2 pounds;
Offshore, common to 8 pounds.
*Florida Record: 12 lbs., 2 ozs.
|
feeds on mollusks and
crustaceans such as fiddler crabs and barnacles; famed
nibblers, prompting the saying that "anglers must strike
just before they bite."
|
|

|
Bonnethead Shark
|
Sphyrnidae, Hammerhead Sharks
Sphyrna tiburo
|
broadly widened head in the
shape of a shovel; only slight indentation of anal fin;
front of head not notched at midline; gray or grayish-brown
in color.
|
Inshore species found in bays
and estuaries.
|
commonly 3 to 4 feet.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
matures at about 3 feet in
length and bears 6 to 12 young at one time; feeds chiefly on
crabs and other crustaceans.
|
|

|
Scalloped Hammerhead
|
Sphyrnidae, Hammerhead Sharks
Sphyrna tiburo
|
fifth gill slit shorter than 4
preceeding ones and located posterior to pectoral fin base;
flattened head extending to hammer-like lobes on each side;
distinct indentation of the front margin of the head at its
midpoint; second dorsal fin longer than tail; gray-brown to
olive in color with white underbelly; teeth smooth-edged;
pectoral fins tipped with black on the undersurface; tips of
first and second dorsal lobes and caudal also may have dusky
tips; pelvic fin with nearly straight hind margin.
|
both Offshore and Inshore.
|
common to 6 feet and can reach
14 feet.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
predatory fish, feeding mainly
on fish, squid, and stingrays; male matures at about 6 feet
in length.
|
|

|
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
|
Carcharhinidae, Requiem Sharks
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
|
long and flattened snout; white
trailing edge of pectoral; black-edged dorsal and caudal
fins, especially when young; may have small whitish spots on
sides; furrows in lips at the corners of the mouth; outer
margin of teeth notched; second dorsal fin originates over
middle of anal fin; brown to olive-gray in color with white
underside; slender body.
|
Inshore species, even found in
surf; also common in bays and estuaries; adults occur
Offshore.
|
small species, 2 to 4 feet.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
mature adults between 2 and 2.75
feet long; 4-7 newborns range from 9 to 14 inches in length;
adults feed on small fish and crustaceans
|
|

|
Sandbar Shark
|
Carcharhinidae, Requiem Sharks
Carcharhinus plumbeus
|
snout broadly rounded and short;
first dorsal fin triangular and very high; poorly developed
dermal ridge between dorsal fins; brown or gray in color
with white underside; upper and lower teeth finely serrated.
|
Near shore fish typically found
at depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet.
|
common to 6 feet.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
both predator and scavanger;
feeding chiefly near the bottom on fish and shellfish;
migrates long distances; matures at about 6 feet in length.
|
|

|
Shortfin Mako
|
Lamnidae, Mackerel Sharks
Isurus oxyrinchus
|
lunate tail with similarly sized
lobes; lateral keel at the base of the tail; deep blue back
and white underside; underside of sharply pointed snout
white; origin of first dorsal entirely behind base of
pectoral fins; second dorsal fin slightly in front of anal
fin; slender, recurved teeth with smooth edge.
|
Offshore fish often seen near
the surface.
|
commonly 6 to 8 feet (200 to 300
pounds).
*Florida Record: 911 lbs, 12 ozs.
|
active, strong swimming fish
known for leaping out of the water when hooked; feeds on
mackerel, tuna, sardines, and some much larger fish.
|
|

|
Blackfin Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus buccanella
|
color generally red, with
yellowish caudal, anal, and pelvic fins; distinctive and
prominent dark comma-shaped blotch at the base of the
pectoral fins, which gives the fish its common name; anal
fin rounded; no black spot on side underneath dorsal fin.
|
adults Offshore near continental
shelf.
|
common to 20 inches, larger
adults seeking deeper waters.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
sometimes marketed as red
snapper; feeds on smaller fishes
|
|

|
Cubera Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus cyanopterus
|
color dark brown or gray, may
have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on
roof of mouth without a posterior extension; despite its
specific name, which translates to "blue-fin," the fins have
only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth in both jaws very
strong; one pair of canines enlarged and visible even when
mouth is closed.
|
juveniles Inshore in grass beds;
adults Offshore or Near shore over wrecks, reefs, and
ledges.
|
common to 40 pounds.
*Florida Record: 116 lbs.
|
the largest of the Snappers,
ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range;
feeds on fishes and larger crustaceans; in the Keys, spawns
during later summer.
|
|

|
Dog Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus jocu
|
color brown with a bronze tinge,
lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notably
enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale
triangle and a light blue interrupted line below the eye; no
dark spot on body underneath dorsal fin.
|
large adults Offshore over coral
and rocky reefs; juveniles associated with estuaries.
|
large snapper, attaining 30
pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
spawns from spring through fall;
known as night feeder; taking fishes, mollusks, and
crustaceans.
|
|

|
Gray Snapper (mangrove
snapper)
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus griseus
|
color dark brown or gray with
reddish or orange spots in rows along the sides; dark
horizontal band from snout through eye (young only); two
conspicuous canine teeth at front of upper jaw; dorsal fins
have dark or reddish borders; no dark spot on side
underneath dorsal fin.
|
juveniles Inshore in tidal
creeks, mangroves, and grass beds; adults generally Near
shore or Offshore on coral or rocky reefs.
|
Offshore catches common 8 to 10
pounds.
*Florida Record: 16 lbs., 8 ozs.
|
spawns June through August;
feeds on crustaceans and small fish.
|
|

|
Lane Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus synagris
|
color silvery-pink to reddish
with short, irregular pink and yellow lines on its sides;
diffuse black spot, about as large as the eye; the dorsal
fin centered above the lateral line; outer margin of caudal
fin blackish.
|
juveniles Inshore over grass
beds or shallow reefs; adults Offshore; most common in south
Florida.
|
usually less than 1 pound.
*Florida Record: 6 lbs., 6 ozs.
|
spawns March through September;
sexually mature at 6 inches; feeds on bottom, taking
crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.
|
|

|
Mahogany Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus mahogoni
|
color graysh-olive with a
reddish tinge; conspicuous dark spot, about the size of the
eye, below the soft dorsal fin, 1/4 to 1/2 of it below the
lateral line; the large eye and caudal fin are bright red;
lower margin of the preopercle has prominent spur with
strong and sharp serrations.
|
Near shore or Offshore in clear,
highly saline water, usually over reefs.
|
relatively small snapper, common
to 15 inches.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
the Spanish name, ojanco, refers
to its large eyes; a night feeder, with diet of smaller
fishes.
|
|

|
Mutton Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus analis
|
color olive green on back and
upper sides, all fins below the lateral line having reddish
tinge; bright blue line below eye, following contour of
operculum; anal fin pointed; small black spot below dorsal
fin; V-shaped tooth patch on
|
an Inshore species associated
with grassbeds, mangroves, and canals; larger adults
occasionally found on Offshore reefs.
|
common to 15 pounds.
*Florida Record: 27 lbs., 6 ozs.
|
spawns in July and August; feeds
on fish, crustaceans, and snails
|
|

|
Queen Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Etelis oculatus
|
color of back and upper sides
red; silvery body long and slender; dorsal fin distinctly
notched; large eyes; caudal fin deeply forked; no dark
lateral spot.
|
Offshore over rocky reefs of the
continental shelf to 450 feet; young suspend at mid-depth
|
small species, usually less than
20 inches.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
little is known, but it is
reported that adults live at depths greater than 400 feet.
|
|

|
Red Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus campechanus
|
color pinkish red over entire
body, whitish below; long triangular snout; anal fin sharply
pointed; no dark lateral spot.
|
Offshore on the continental
shelf, more plentiful off the panhandle than in south or
middle Florida
|
to 20 pounds.
*Florida Record: 46 lbs., 8 ozs
|
juveniles occur over sandy or
mud bottoms and are often taken in shrimp trawls; adults may
live more than 20 years, and attain 35 pounds or more;
sexual maturity attained at age 2; spawns June to October;
feeds on crustaceans and fish.
|
|

|
Schoolmaster
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus apodus
|
color olive gray on upper sides
with yellow tinge, sometimes with reddish tinge around head;
long triangular snout; eight pale vertical bars on the side
of the body; yellow fins; blue stripe below eye, becoming
interrupted in adults; no dark lateral spot.
|
juveniles in grassy flats;
adults Near shore especially around elkhorn coral reefs;
large adults sometimes found on continental shelf.
|
usually less than 1 pound.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
spawns in July and August;
attain sizes of 8 pounds and 24 inches; slow grower; feeds
on crustaceans, small fishes, and gastropods.
|
|

|
Silk Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus vivanus
|
back and upper sides pinkish
red, shading to silvery sides with undulating yellow lines;
pectorals pale yellow; back edge of caudal fin blackish;
anal fin pointed; no dark lateral spot.
|
Offshore over rocky ledges in
very deep water; most common in south Florida.
|
usually less than 5 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
little is known.
|
|

|
Vermilion Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Rhomboplites aurorubens
|
color of entire body reddish,
with a series of short, irregular lines on its sides,
diagonal blue lines formed by spots on the scales above the
lateral line; sometimes with yellow streaks below the
lateral line; large canine teeth absent; orientation of
mouth and eye give it the appearance of looking upward; no
dark lateral spot.
|
suspends at mid-depths over
rocky reefs Offshore
|
usually less than 1 pound.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
spawns April to September,
females maturing at 3 to 4 years of age; grows slowly;
attains weight of 6 pounds and length of 24 inches; feeds on
small, swimming crustaceans and mollusks.
|
|

|
Yellowtail Snapper
|
Lutjanidae, Snappers
Ocyurus chrysurus
|
back and upper sides olive to
bluish with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with
alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes;
prominent midlateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs
to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal fin
yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spot.
|
juveniles Inshore on grassbeds
and back reefs; adults Near shore or Offshore over sandy
areas near reefs.
|
common to 3 pounds.
*Florida Record: 7 lbs., 5 ozs.
|
found mainly in tropical waters;
spawns in midsummer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds
in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrate
|
|

|
Fat Snook
|
Centropomidae, Snooks
Centropomus parallelus
|
deeper body than other snooks;
color yellow-brown to green-brown above, silvery on sides;
black lateral line extends onto tail; mouth reaches to or
beyond center of eye; usually no dusky outer edge on pelvic
fin, as in other snooks; smallest scales of all snooks.
|
Inshore spcies found in mangrove
habitat; found commonly in fresh waters; occurs more in
interior waters (as opposed to estuarine waters) than other
snook.
|
a small species, rarely more
than 20 inches.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
usually found in fresh water;
mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young.
|
|

|
Common Snook
|
Centropomidae, Snooks
Centropomus undecimalis
|
istinct lateral line; high,
divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth,
protruding lower jaw; grows much larger than other snooks;
pelvic fin yellow.
|
from central Florida south,
usually Inshore in coastal and brackish waters, along
mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on reefs
and pilings Near shore.
|
most catches 5 to 8 pounds.
*Florida Record: 44 lbs., 3 ozs.
|
spawns primarily in summer;
cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees F; can
tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and
in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and larrge
crustaceans.
|
|

|
Swordspine Snook
|
Centropomidae, Snooks
Centropomus ensiferus
|
smallest of the snooks; profile
slightly concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black
(not solid), extends through caudal fin; color yellow-green
to brown-green above, silvery below; giant second anal
spine, hence the name; largest scales of all snook.
|
occurs in Inshore estuarine
habitats from south Florida to as far north on east coast as
St. Lucie River.
|
usually less than 1 pound (12
inches).
*Florida Record: n/a
|
full-grown adults are less than
12 inches long; mangrove shoreline habitat serves as nursery
area for young; rare on Florida's west coast; prefers only
slightly brackish or fresh water.
|
|

|
Tarpon Snook
|
Centropomidae, Snooks
Centropomus pectinatus
|
only snook with 7 anal fin rays
(others have 6); lower jaw curves upward; compressed body;
prominent black lateral line extends through tail; tips of
pelvic fin reach beyond anus.
|
Inshore in south Florida;
frequently in fresh water
|
usually less than 1 pound (12
inches).
*Florida Record: n/a
|
maximum size of 16 to 18 inches;
feeds on small fish and larger crustaceans; young are
nurtured along mangrove shorelines; rare on Florida's west
coast.
|
|

|
Atlantic Spadefish
|
Ephippidae, SPADEFISHES
Chaetodipterus faber
|
silvery with 4 to 6 black
vertical bands on each side which sometimes become obscure
in larger fish; deep, flattened body; separated first and
second dorsal fins; concave caudal fin; anterior rays of
second dorsal fin and anal fin elongated.
|
Inshore and Near shore, around
natural and artificial reefs, and especially near navigation
markers in 15 to 20 feet of water.
|
most catches less than 2 pounds,
known to reach 15 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
|
spawns in spring and summer;
travels in large schools; small juveniles almost totally
black, known to drift on their sides and mimic floating
debris; feeds on crustaceans, small encrusting
invertebrates, and may nibble on tentacles of jellyfish.
|
|

|
Swordfish
|
Xiphiidae, SWORDFISHES
Xiphias gladius
|
color of back variable, black,
greyish blue, brown, metallic purple, or bronze; sides
dusky; underbelly dirty white; long, flat, sword-like upper
jaw; lacks scales, teeth, and pelvic fins; single keel on
each side of body in front of tail; first dorsal fin high,
rigid and short; large eyes.
|
Offshore species worldwide in
temperate and tropic waters; known to frequent depths of 400
to 500 fathoms; also has been seen basking at the surface.
|
once averaged 200 pounds but
overharvest has reduced size of commercially caught
swordfish to average of 48 inches.
*Florida Record: 612 lbs., 12
ozs.
|
large swordfish are all females,
males seldom exceeding 200 pounds; except when spawning,
females believed to prefer water cooler than that favored by
males; feeds on squid, octopus, and pelagic fishes of all
kinds.
|
|

|
Ladyfish
|
Elopidae, TARPONS
Elops saurus
|
terminal mouth, slender body,
small scales; last dorsal ray not elongated; head small and
pointed
|
Inshore fish, in bays and
estuaries; occasionally enters freshwater, occurring in
tidal pools and canals; often forms large schools and
harasses bait at the surface.
|
2 to 3 pounds.
*Florida Record: 4 lbs., 10 ozs.
|
known to spawn Offshore,
ribbon-like larvae very similar to Albula and
Megalops, peaking in fall; adult feeds predominantly on
fish and crustaceans; leaps when hooked.
|
|

|
Tarpon
|
Elopidae, TARPONS
Megalops atlanticus
|
last ray of dorsal fin extended
into long filament; one dorsal fin; back dark blue to green
or greenish black, shading into bright silver on the sides;
may be brownish gold in estuarien waters; huge scales; mouth
large and points upward.
|
primarily Inshore fish, although
adult fish spawn Offshore where the ribbon-like larval stage
of the fish can be found.
|
most angler catchs 40 to 50
pounds.
*Florida Record: 243 lbs.
|
slow grower; matures at 7 to 13
years of age; spawning occurs between May and September;
female may lay more than 12 million eggs; can tolerate wide
range of salinity; juveniles commonly found in fresh water;
can breathe air at surface; feeds mainly on fish and large
crustaceans.
|
|

|
Dolphin
|
Coryphaenidae, DOLPHINS
Coryphaena hippurus
|
bright greenish blue above,
yellow on sides, with capability of flashing purple,
chartreuse, and a wide range of other colors; body tapers
sharply from head to tail; irregular blue or golden blotches
scattered over sides; anterior profile of head on adult
males is nearly vertical; head of females more sloping; the
single dark dorsal fin extends from just behind the head to
the tail; anal fin margin concave and extending from anus to
tail.
|
Offshore in warm waters.
|
common to 30 pounds.
*Florida Record: 77 lbs, 12 ozs.
|
one of the fastest-growing fish,
thought to live no more than 5 years; swimming speed is
estimated at 50 knots; spawns in warm ocean currents
throughout much of the year; young found in sargassum weed;
feeds on flying fish and squid.
|
|

|
Blue Marlin
|
Istiophoridae, BILLFISHES
Makaira nigricans
|
color cobalt blue on top shading
to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated in form of
spear; dorsal fin pointed at front end; pectoral fin and
anal fin pointed; lateral line reticulated (interwoven like
a net), difficult to see in large specimens; no dark spots
on dorsal fin; body covered with embedded scales ending in
one or two sharp points.
|
Offshore, a blue water fish.
|
largest of the Atlantic marlins,
common to 11 feet, known to exceed 2,000 pounds.
*Florida Record: 980 lbs., 8 ozs.
|
all of trophy size are females;
males do not exceed 300 pounds; make trans-Atlantic
migrations; spawning procedures unknown; feeds on squid and
pelagic fishes, including blackfin tuna and frigate
mackerel.
|
|

|
Longbill Spearfish
|
Istiophoridae, BILLFISHES
Tetrapturus pfluegeri
|
color of body dark blue shading
to silvery, white underneath; dorsal fin bluish, others
brown-black; two dorsal fins, the first lengthy, its front
forming a peak; two anal fins, the anus well in front of the
first; upper jaw prolonged into spear, its cross section
round.
|
Offshore in deep water.
|
relatively small species.
*Florida Record: 61 lbs.
|
uncommon; available data
indicate that spearfish matures at 2 years of age and rarely
lives past 4 to 5 years; they are pelagic and feed at or
near the surface, mainly on fishes and squid; named for Al
Pflueger, Sr., founder of Pflueger Taxidermy.
|
|

|
Sailfish
|
Istiophoridae, BILLFISHES
Istiophorus platypterus
|
color dark blue on top,
brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw
elongated in form of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in
the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared
off, highest at its midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow,
reaching almost to the anus; body covered with embedded
scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved above pectoral,
then straight to base of tail.
|
Offshore species, in south
Florida associated with waters near the Gulf Stream; off the
Panhandle near the 100 foot fathom line.
|
common to 7 feet.
*Florida Record: 116 lbs.
|
rapid growing species, reaching
4 to 5 feet in a single year; swims at speeds up to 50
knots; feeds on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller
pelagic fishes and squid
|
|

|
White Marlin
|
Istiophoridae, BILLFISHES
Tetrapterus albidus
|
color of body dark blue to
chocolate brown, shading to silvery white underbelly;
noticeable spots on dorsal fin; upper jaw elongated in shape
of spear; body covered with embedded scales with a single
sharp point; tips of first dorsal, pectoral, and first anal
fins rounded; lateral line curved above pectoral fin, then
going in straight line to base of tail.
|
Offshore, a blue water fish.
|
common to 8 feet.
*Florida Record: 161 lbs.
|
uses its bill to stun
fast-moving fishes, then turns to consume them; spawning
procedures unknown; ranges throughout the Atlantic and
Caribbean
|