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Family
Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus campechanus |
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Description:
color pinkish red over entire body, whitish below;
long triangular snout; anal fin sharply pointed; no
dark lateral spot.
Similar
Fish: vermilion snapper, R. aurorubens.
Where found:
OFFSHORE on the continental shelf, oil and gas rigs.
Size: to
20 pounds.
Remarks:
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. |
Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOS
Caranx hippos
Description:
color bluish-green to greenish-gold black and silver ot
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.
Similar Fish:
other Caranx.
Where found:
common in both inshore waters and the open sea.
Size:
usually 3 to 5 pounds.
Remarks:
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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Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOS
Seriola dumerili
Description:
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.
Similar Fish:
other Seriola.
Where found:
Offshore species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and
wrecks, typically in 60 - 240 feet of water; juveniles
associated with floating objects and may occur in water less
than 30 feet deep.
Size: common to
40 pounds.
Remarks:
largest of the jacks; thoug
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Family
Sparidae, PORGIES
Archosargus probatocephalus |
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Description:
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.
Similar Fish:
black drum, Pogonias cromis; Atlantic spadefish,
Chaetodipterus (black drum have barbels on lower jaw,
sheepshead do not; vertical barring on sides of black drum
and spadefish disappear as fish mature; spadefish have
small, brush-like teeth).
Where found:
INSHORE species around oyster bars, seawalls and in tidal
creeks; moves nearshore in late winter and early spring
for spawning, gathering over debris, artificial reefs and
around navigation markers.
Size:
Inshore, 1 to 2 pounds; offshore, common to 8 pounds.
Remarks:
feeds on mollusks and crustaceans such as fiddler crabs
and barnacles; famed nibblers, prompting the saying that
"anglers must strike just before they bite."
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Family
Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion nebulosus |
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Description:
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.
Similar Fish:
other
Speckled Trout
Where found:
Inshore and/or nearshore over grass, sand and sandy
bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in
cold weather.
Size: common
to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast.
Remarks:
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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Family
Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion arenarius |
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Description:
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.
Similar Fish:
White trout, Sand Trout
Where found:
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.
Size:
usually less than 1 pound (10 to 12 inches).
Remarks:
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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Family
Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Sciaenops ocellatus
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Description:
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 openng downward; scales
large.
Other Names: Redfish, Rat Reds (undersized),
Bull Reds (oversized), Drum
Similar Fish:
black drum, Pogonias cromis.
Where found:
juveniles are an INSHORE fish, migrating out of the
estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the
spawning population OFFSHORE.
Size: one of
27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.
Remarks:
red drum are an INSHORE species until they attain roughly
30 inches (4 years), then they migrate to join the
NEARSHORE population; spawning occurs from August to
November in NEARSHORE 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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Family
Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Pogonias cromis |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Drum, Striped Drum
Similar Fish:
the vertical bars on juvenile black drum are somewhat
similar to those on sheepshead, Archosargus
probatocephalus; spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber;
red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus.
Where found:
INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller
often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE.
Size: common
to 30 pounds.
*Florida Record:
93 lbs.
Remarks:
largest member of the drum family; spawns NEARSHORE in
winter and early spring; feeds on oysters, mussels, crabs,
shrimp and occasionally fish; longevity to 35 or more
years.
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Family Bothidae,
LEFT EYE FLOUNDERS
Paralichthys albigutta |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Flat Fish, Flounder
Similar Fish:
southern flounder, P. lethostigma (no eye-like
spots; color pattern is key to distinguishing the two
species).
Where found:
INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal
creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs.
Size: common
to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder.
Remarks:
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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Family
Pomatomidae, BLUEFISHES
Pomatomus saltatrix |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Blue, Chopper, Anchoa
Similar Fish:
blue runner, C. crysos.
Where found:
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.
Size: most
west coast catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east
coast.
Remarks:
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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Family
Rachycentridae, COBIA
Rachycentron canadum |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Ling, Crab Eater, Lemonfish,
Bacalao
Similar Fish:
remora, Echeneis naucrates.
Where found:
both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and
among mangroves; frequently seen around bouys, pilings,
and wrecks.
Size: common
to 30 pounds.
Remarks:
spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid,
and small fish.
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Family Elopidae,
TARPONS
Megalops atlanticus |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Silver King, Sabalo
Similar Fish:
(as juveniles) ladyfish, Elops saurus.
Where found:
primarily INSHORE fish, although adult fish spawn OFFSHORE
where the ribbon-like larval stage of the fish can be
found.
Size: most
angler catches 40 to 50 pounds.
Remarks:
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.
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Lobotes surinamensis
Other Names: Drift Fish, Leaf Fish, Black Fish
Habitat: The Tripletail is a true world traveler, drifting
with ocean currents and often spotted by dolphin fishermen in
weedlines or alongside floating debris. Many are found closer
to shore in most coastal areas during warm months, and also in
larger bays usually hanging around markers or trap floats.
Description: Deep, somewhat rounded shape gives it the
appearance of an oversize panfish. Color varies but is usually
brownish and mottled. Head is concave above the mouth. Name
derives from similarity and near juxtaposition of the dorsal,
caudal and anal fins, resembling three tails.
Size: Most run 2-12 pounds; but rare catches reach 30 or more.
World record 42 pounds, 5 ounces.
Food Value: One of the best.
Game Qualities: Despite its clumsy looks, the Tripletail is a
good gamefish in all respects. It willingly strikes artificial
lures and its fight is characterized by short, frantic runs
and startling jumps. Big ones in deep water are also good at
bulldogging. Like Cobia with which they frequently share the
shade of a navigation structure Tripletail are adept at
fouling lines.
Baits: Live shrimp and small fish. Strip baits and dead
shrimp. Plastic and bucktail jigs, mirror lures.
Type of Fishing: Casting; Drifting; Still Fishing.
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Family Elopidae,
TARPONS
Elops saurus |
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Description:
terminal mouth, slender body, small scales; last dorsal
ray not elongated; head small and pointed.
Other Names: Ten-Pounder, Skipjack, Chiro
Similar Fish:
juvenile tarpon, Megalops atlanticus.
Where found:
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.
Size: 2 to 3
pounds.
Remarks:
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.
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Family
Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Rhomboplites aurorubens |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Beeliner, Mingo, Cajon
Similar Fish:
red snapper, L. campechanus (anal fin of red
snapper has midpoint like a triangle).
Where found:
suspends at mid-depths over rocky reefs OFFSHORE.
Size:
usually less than 1 pound.
Remarks:
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.
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Family
Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus griseus |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Mangrove Snapper, Black Snapper,
Mango, Caballerote
Similar Fish:
cubera snapper, L. cyanopterus.
Where found:
juveniles INSHORE in tidal creeks, mangroves, and grass
beds; adults generally NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE on coral or
rocky reefs.
Size:
offshore catches common 8 to 10 pounds.
Remarks:
spawns June through August; feeds on crustaceans and small
fish.
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Family
Scombridae, MACKERELS and TUNAS
Scomberomorous cavalla |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Kingfish, Sierra, Cavalla
Similar Fish:
cero, S. regalis; Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus.
Where found:
NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, occasionally taken from piers
running into deep water.
Size: common
to 20 pounds.
Remarks:
schooling fish that migrates from 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.
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Family
Scombridae, MACKERELS and TUNAS
Scomberomorous maculatus |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Sierra
Similar Fish:
cero, S. regalis; king mackerel, S. cavalla.
Where found:
INSHORE, NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, especially over grass
beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in
winter.
Size:
average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches).
Remarks:
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.
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Family
Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Mycteroperca bonaci |
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Description:
olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and
brassy spots; gently rounded preopercle.
Other Names: Bonaci Arara Aguaji
Similar Fish:
gag M. microlepis; yellowfin grouper, M.
venenosa.
Where found:
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.
Size: common
to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100 pounds.
Remarks:
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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Family
Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Mycteroperca microlepis |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Gray Grouper, Grass Grouper,
Copper Belly, Black Grouper
Similar Fish:
black grouper M. bonaci.
Where found:
adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in
seagrass beds INSHORE.
Size: common
to 25 pounds.
Remarks:
forms spawning aggregations in water no shallower than 120
feet in Middle Grounds area, January through March;
current research 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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GRAY
TRIGGERFISH
Family Serranidae,
Blistes capriscus
Other Names: Common, Triggerfish, Common
Turbot, Cucuyo
Habitat: Mostly found well offshore.
Description: Uniform dark gray in color, sometimes with darker
blotches on the sides, especially in smaller fish.
Size: Averages 1-3 pounds. World record 13 pounds, 9 ounces.
Food Value: Excellent. Many consider Triggerfish fillets to be
tasty. They are, however, more difficult to clean because of
their tough skins.
Game Qualities: The small mouth of the Triggerfish makes them
difficult to hook, but once they are on a line they put up an
outstanding fight against light tackle.
Baits: Shrimp and any cut bait. Plastic lures.
Type of Fishing: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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Family
Ephippidae, SPADEFISHES
Chaetodipterus faber |
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Description:
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.
Other Names: Striped Angelfish, Chrivita Chiva
Similar Fish:
no close resemblances, but frequently and mistakenly
called angelfish.
Where found:
INSHORE and NEARSHORE, around natural and artificial
reefs, and especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20
feet of water.
Size: most
catches less than 2 pounds, known to reach 15 pounds.
Remarks:
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.
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Blacktip Shark
(Carcharhinus limbatus)
Other Names: Small Blacktip
Habitat: Occurs from the open sea to the coast.
Description: Gray above, white below. Tips of dorsal and
pectoral fins are black, as is the lower lobe of the caudal
fin. Short snout and stout body. Dorsal fin begins at a point
above the rear portion of the pectoral fin.
Size: Common from 5-30 pounds; seldom reaches 100 pounds, but
reported to 200 or more. World record 270 pounds, 9 ounces.
Food Value: Very good.
Game Qualities: Pound for pound, probably the scrappiest of
sharks. Wages a wild battle on light tackle, marked by long
runs and frantic jumps, especially in shallow water.
Baits: Shrimp and any sort of cut bait.
Type of Fishing: Casting; Drifting; Still Fishing.
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