Southwest Florida Fish List & Search
Name | Description | Where Found | Size | Remarks | Image | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Almaco Jack | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AlmacoJack-optimized.png | 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. | Wide-ranging in OFFSHORE waters, not a common catch; young are associated with Sargassum. | Usually less than 20 pounds. | Spawns offshore, apparently during spring, summer, and fall. | |
American Shad | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/shad-optimized.png | Color of back green or greenish blue with metallic lustre; silvery sides, white underneath 9 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. | OFFSHORE except during late winter spawning run into east coast rivers, notably the St. Johns River. | Most catches 2 to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds | 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. | |
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sharpnose-optimized.png | 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 inderside; slender body. | INSHORE species, even found in surf; also common in bays and estuaries; adults occur OFFSHORE. | A small species, 2 ? 4 feet. | 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. | |
Atlantic Croaker | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AtlanticCroaker-optimized.png | Inferior mouth; 3 to 5 pairs of small barbels on chin; silvery-gray or bronze body with dark oblique wavy bars or lines; iridescent especially on head; preopercle strongly serrated. | 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. | Usually less than 2 pounds. | During spawning becomes bronze or yellow in color; spawning apparently occurs OFFSHORE in fall; longevity 2 to 4 years. | |
Atlantic Spadefish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ATLANTICSpade-optimized.png | 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 NEARSHORE, around natural reefs, and especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20 feet of water. | Most catches less than 2 pounds, known to reach 15 pounds. | 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. | |
Banded Rudderfish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BandedRudderfish-optimized.png | Fish is less than 11 inches long; has 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. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE over hard bottom, generally in shallower water than other amberjacks; young associated with weed lines or floating debris and may follow shark and other large fish. | Usually less than 10 pounds. | Adults feed on fish and shrimp; spawns OFFSHORE most of the year. | |
Bank Sea Bass | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BankSeaBass-optimized.png | 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. | OFFSHORE in deep water with rocks and reefs. | Usually 0.3 pounds ( 8 inches). | Undergoes sex change, starting life as a female, changing into male after 3 or 4 spawning seasons; feeds on the bottom, taking squid, crustaceans, and small fish. | |
Black Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BlackGrouper-optimized.png | Olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded preopercle. 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. | 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. | Common to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100 pounds. No Florida record because of identity confusion with Gag, which are mistakenly called ?Black Grouper?. | Spawns between May and August; protogynous hermaphrodites, young predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow older; larger individuals generally in greater depths; feeds on fish and squid. | |
Black Drum | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/blackdrum-optimized.png | 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; large scales. | Structure-loving fish, associated with reefs and rubble OFFSHORE; smaller specimens often found in INSHORE finger channels. | Common to 1.5 Pounds ( 13 inches ). | Spawns January through March; protogynous hermaphrodites, older females becoming breeding males; omnivorous bottom feeders, diet including small fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. | |
Black Drum | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/blackdrum-optimized.png | 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; large scales. | INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. | Common to 30 pounds. | INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. | |
Blackfin Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BlackFinSnapper-optimized.png | Color generally red, with yellow caudal, anal, and pelvic fins; distinctive and prominent dark comma-shapped 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 cintinental shelf. | Common to 20 inches, larger individuals seeking deeper waters. | Sometimes marketed as red snapper; feeds on smaller fish. | |
Blue Runner | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BlueRunner-optimized.png | 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 dark blotch on pectoral fin; tail tips blackish. | Juveniles found OFFSHORE; adults NEARSHORE in schools, but sometimes ranging INSHORE as well. | Usually less than 1 pound (11 inches). | 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. | |
Blue Marlin | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BlueMarlin-optimized.png | Color cobalt blue on top shading to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; dorsal fin and 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 imbedded 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. | All of trophy size are females; males do not exceed 300 pounds; make trans-Atlantic migration; spawning procedures unknown; feeds on squid and pelagic fish, including blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel. | |
BlueFish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BlueFish-optimized.png | 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. | 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. | Most west coast catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east coast. | 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. | |
BoneFish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BoneFish-optimized.png | 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. | 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. | 3 to 5 pounds. | 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. | |
BonnetHead Shark | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BonnetHead-optimized.png | 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. | Matures at about 3 feet in length and bears 6 to 12 young at one time. Feeds chiefly on crabs and other crustaceans. | |
Cero Mackerel | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cero-optimized.png | Color of black iridescent bluish green; sides silvery; yellow spots forming lines above and below a bronze stripe from pectoral fin to base of the tail; front of first dorsal is bluish black; lateral line curves gradually to base of caudal fin. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks. | Common to 5 pounds. | Unlike other mackerel, does not stray far from Florida waters; spawns OFFSHORE in midsummer; feeds on small fish and squid. | |
Cobia | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cobia-optimized.png | Long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects passed 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. | Both INSHORE and OFFSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings and wreaks. | Common to 30 pounds. | Spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish. | |
Common Snook | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Commonsnook-optimized.png | Distict black 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 NEARSHORE. | Most catches 5 to 8 pounds. | Spawns primarily in summer; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60? F; can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and larger crustaceans. | |
Crevalle Jack | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CrevalleJack-optimized.png | 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. | Tolerates a wide range of salinities; schools corner a school of baitfish at the surface and feed with commotion that can be seen for great distances; feeds mainly on small fish; peak spawning occurs OFFSHORE from March through September. | |
Cubera Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CuberaSnapper-optimized.png | Color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth without posterior extension; despite its specific name, which translates to ?blue-fin?, the fin have only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth on both jaws very strong; one pair of canines enlarged and visible even when mouth is closed. | Juveniles INSHORE in grassbeds; adults OFFSHORE or NEARSHORE over wrecks, reefs, and ledges. | Common to 40 pounds. | The largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range; feeds on fish and larger crustaceans; in the Keys, spawns during later summer. | |
Dog Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DogSnapper-optimized.png | Color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notable enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale triangle and a light blue interruped line below the eye; no dark spot on body under dorsal fin. | Large adults OFFSHORE over coral and rocky reefs; juveniles associated with estuaries. | Large snapper; attaing 30 pounds. | Spawns from spring through fall; known as night feeder; taking fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. | |
Dog Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DogSnapper-optimized.png | Color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notable enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale triangle and a light blue interruped line below the eye; no dark spot on body under dorsal fin. | OFFSHORE in warm waters. | Common to 30 pounds. | One of the fastest-growing fish, thought to live no more than 5 years; swimming speed estimated at 50 knots; spawns in warm oceanic currents throughout much of the year; young found in sargassum weed; feeds on flying fish and squid. | |
Fantail Mullet | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FANTAILMullet-optimized.png | 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 fin over that of the anal fin. | INSHORE, occurring along beaches in the fall. | Small mullet, less than 1 pound. | Spawns in NEARSHORE or possibly INSHORE waters during spring and summer; juveniles occur INSHORE; feeds on algae, small crustaceans, detritus. | |
Fat Snook | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FatSnook-optimized.png | 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 snook. | INSHORE species found in mangrove habitiat; found commonly in fresh water; occurs more in interior waters ( as opposed to estuarine waters ) than other snook. | A small species, rarely more than 20 inches. | Usually found in fresh water; mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young. | |
Pompano | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/pompano-optimized.png | 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 NEARSHORE waters, especially along sandy beaches, along oyster bars, and over grassbeds, often in turbid water; may be found in water as deep as 130 feet. | Usually less than 3 pounds. | 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. | |
Gag Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/gag-optimized.png | 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; most noticeable differences are brassy spots on 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 distincive, where black is gently rounded | Adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds INSHORE. | Common to 25 pounds. | Forms spawning aggregations in water no shallower than 120 feet in Middle Grounds area. January through March; current research to identify similar aggregations off the Atlantic coast is on going. Young Gags are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow larger; feeds on fish and squid. | |
Goliath Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/jewfish-optimized.png | Head and fins covered with small black spots; irregular dark vertical bars present on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first dorsal fin shorted than and not separated from second dorsal; adults hugh, upto 800 pounds; eyes small. | NEARSHORE 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. | Largest of the groupers. | Spawns over summer months; lifespan of 30 to 50 years; feeds on crustaceans and fish. NOTE: Jewfish are totally protected from harvest in Florida waters. | |
Gray Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/graySnapper-optimized.png | 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 NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE on coral or rocky reefs. | OFFSHORE catches common 8 to 10 pounds. | Spawns June through August; feeds on crustaceans and small fish. Also known as “Mangrove Snapper”. | |
Greater Amberjack | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/greateramberjack-optimized.png | 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. | OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60-240 feet of water; sometimes caught NEARSHORE in south Florida; juveniles associate with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep. | Common to 40 pounds. | Largest of the jacks; thought to spawn OFFSHORE throughout much of the year; feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans. | |
Gulf Flounder | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Flounder-optimized.png | Body color brown, its shade depending on color 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; strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin in shape of wedge, its tip in the middle. | INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into title creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs. | Common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder. | 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 fish. | |
King Mackerel | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/kingmackerel-optimized.png | Color of black iridescent bluish green, sides silvery; streamlined body with tapered head; no black pigment on front of the first dorsal fin; lateral line starts high and drops sharply below the second dorsal; young fish often have yellowish spots like those of Spanish mackerel. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE; occasionally taken from piers running into deep water. | Common to 20 pounds. | 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 fish and squid. | |
LadyFish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/LadyFish-optimized.png | Terminal mouth; slender body; small scales; last dorsal ray not elongated; head small and pointed. | INSHORE fish, in bays and estuaries; occasionally enters freshwater, occuring in tidal pools and canals; often forms large schools and harasses bait at the surface. | 2 to 3 pounds. | Known to spawn OFFSHORE; ribbon-like larvae very similar to Albula and Egalops, peaking in fall; adults feed predominantly on fish and crustaceans; leaps when hooked. | |
Lane Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/lanesnapper-optimized.png | 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. | Spawns March to September, sexually mature at 6 inches; feeds on the bottom, taking crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. | |
Lesser Amberjack | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/lesseramberjack-optimized.png | Olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than Greater Amberjack. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep). | Usually under 10 pounds. | Smallest of the Amberjacks; believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid. | |
Longbill Spearfish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/longbill-optimized.png | Olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than Greater Amberjack. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep). | Usually under 10 pounds. | Smallest of the Amberjacks; believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid. | |
Mohogany Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MohoganySnapper-optimized.png | Olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than Greater Amberjack. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep). | Usually under 10 pounds. | Smallest of the Amberjacks; believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid. | |
Mutton Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/muttonsnapper-optimized.png | Colored olive green on back and upper sides, all fins below 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 roof of mouth. | AN INSHORE species associated with grass beds, mangroves, and canals; larger adults occasionally found on OFFSHORE reefs. | Common to 15 pounds | Spawns in July and August; feeds on fish, crustaceans, and snails. | |
Nassau Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nassauGrouper-optimized.png | 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 eyes; large black saddle on caudal peduncle. | Range limited to south Florida; somewhat site specific; smaller individuals NEARSHORE, adults OFFSHORE on rocky reefs. | Most catches under 10 pounds. | Forms large spawning aggregations, making this species highly vulnerable to overharvest. NOTE: all hervest of this species is prohibited. | |
Palometa | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/palometa-optimized.png | Grayish-blue-green on top of head and along the back; bright slivery 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 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. | Thought to spawn offshore in spring, summer, and fall; has shown rapid growth in mariculture experiments; readily strikes small artificial lures. | |
Permit | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/permit-optimized.png | 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 dorsal rays; 16 to 19 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. | Feeds mainly on bottom-dwelling crabs, shrimp, small clams, and small fish. | |
Queen Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/queensnapper-optimized.png | Color of back and upper sides red. lower sides; 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-depths. | Small species, usually less than 20 inches. | Little is known, but it is reported that adults live at depths greater than 400 feet. | |
Red Drum | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reddrum-optimized.png | Chin without barbels; copper-brozne body; lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large. | Juveniles are an INSHORE fish; migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawing population OFFSHORE. | One about 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds. | Spawning occurs from August to Novermber 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. | |
Red Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/redgrouper-optimized.png | 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 and white at midfin; black dots around the eyes. | Bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years old occupy NEARSHORE reefs. | Common to 15 pounds. | Spawns in April and May; prefers water temperatures between 66 and 77°F; undergoes sex reversal, young individuals female, becoming male as they age; lifespan of at least 25 years; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish. | |
Red Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/redsnapper-optimized.png | 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. | Upto 20 pounds. | Juveniles occur over sandy or mu 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. | |
Rock Sea Bass | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rockseabass-optimized.png | Color olive-brown or bronze, with dark blotches forming vertical bars; dark black blotche 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. | OFFSHORE; differs from other sea basses in that it is often found on sandy or muddy bottoms. | Small species, rarely more than 10 inches. | Spawns January through March; young adults are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow older; maximum size is about 10 inches. | |
Sailfish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sailfish-optimized.png | Color dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in for of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the anus; body covered with imbedded scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved over pectoral, then straight to base of tail. | OFFSHORE species, in south Florida associated with waters near Gulf Stream; off the panhandle near the 100-fathom line. | Common to 7 feet. | 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 fish and squid. | |
Sand Sea Trout | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sandseatrout-optimized.png | Pale body color, yellow above, silver to white below; one or two prominent canine teeth usually at the 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. | A Gulf species, that may occur in the Atlantic waters of extreme southeastern Florida; adults predominantly found INSHORE residing in bays and inlets, but may move OFFSHORE during winter months; young occur INSHORE in shallow bays. | Usually less than 1 pound (10-12 inches). | Matures during first or second year; prolonged inshore spawning season extends through spring and summer; feeds mainly on small fish and shrimp. | |
Scalloped Hammerhead | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/scalloped-optimized.png | fifth gill slit shorter than 4 preceding 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; | Both OFFSHORE and INSHORE. | Commonly 6 feet and can reach 14 feet. | Predatory fish, feeding mainly on fish squid, and stingrays; male matures at about 6 feet in length. | |
Scamp | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/scamp-optimized.png | 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. | NEARSHORE reefs off the northeastern coast, and on OFFSHORE reefs in the Gulf. | Generally smaller than Gags or Blacks. | Spawns in late spring; feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans; undergoes sex transformation from female to male as it becomes older. | |
Schoolmaster | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/schoolmaster-optimized.png | 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 grass flats; adults NEARSHORE especially around elkhorn coral reefs; large adults sometimes found on continental shelf. | Usually less than 1 pound. | Spawns July and August; attains sizes of 8 pounds and 24 inches; slow grower; feeds on crustaceans, small fish, and gastropods. | |
Sheepshead | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sheepshead-optimized.png | 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 NEARSHORE 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. | Feeds on mollusks and crustaceans such as fiddler crabs and barnicles; famed nibblers, prompting the saying “anglers must strike just before they bite.” | |
Shortfin Mako | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/shortfin-optimized.png | 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 edges. | OFFSHORE fish often seen near the surface. | Commonly 6 to 8 feet ( 200 - 300 pounds ). | Active, strong swimming fish known for leaping out of the water when hooked; feeds on mackerel, tuna, sardines, and some much larger fish. | |
Silk Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/silksnapper-optimized.png | Back and upper sides pinkish red, shading to silvery sides with undulating yellow lines; pecorals 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 is south Florida. | Usually less than 5 pounds. | Little is known. | |
Silver Sea Trout | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/silverseatrout-optimized.png | Pale straw colored above, silvery sides and white below; no distinctive pigmentation, although faint diagonal lines may be present on upper body; 8 to9 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. | Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms OFFSHORE along both the Gulf and the Atlantic coasts of Florida; migrates into bays during cold months. | Usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches) | Smallest seatrout; spawns OFFSHORE in deep water during spring, summer, and fall; feeds on small fish and shrimp. | |
Silver Perch | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/silverperch-optimized.png | Color silvery with yellowish fins; no spots; no chin barbels; no prominent canine teeth at tip of of upper jaw: preopercle finely serrated; 5 to 6 chin pores; mouth terminal. | INSHORE in seagrass beds, tidal creeks and rivers, and marshes. | Small, not exceeding 9 inches. | 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 fish; may live to 6 years. | |
Spanish Mackerel | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/spanishmackerel-optimized.png | Color of back green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line; front dorsal fin black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail. | INSHORE, NEARSHORE, and OFFSHORE, especially over deep grass beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in winter. | Average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches). | Schooling fish that migrate northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperatures drop below 70° F; spawns OFFSHORE, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid. | |
Spotted Sea Trout | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/spottedseatrout-optimized.png | 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. | INSHORE and /or NEARSHORE over grass, sand, and sandy mud bottoms; move into shallow waters in cold weather. | Common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast. | 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° F, and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years. | |
Striped (Black) Mullet | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/stripedmullet-optimized.png | Color bluish-gray or green above, shading to silver on sides, with indistinct 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 anal fin. | INSHORE | Roe mullet common to 3 pounds but in aquariums known to reach 12 pounds or more. | Adults migrate OFFSHORE in large schools to spawn; juveniles migrate INSHORE at about 1 inch in size, moving far up title creeks; frequent leapers; feeds on algae, detritus, and other tiny marine forms. | |
Swordfish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/swordfish-optimized.png | Color of back variable, black, grayish blue, brown, metallic purple, or bronze; sides dusty; 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 worldwide species in temperate and tropical; known to frequent depths of 400 to 500 fathoms; also has been seen basking at the surface. | Once averaged 200 pounds, but over harvest has reduced size of commercially caught swordfish to average 48 inches. | 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. | |
Swordspine Snook | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SwordSpineSnook-optimized.png | Smallest of the snooks; profile slightly concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black ( not solid ), extends above, silvery below; giant second anal spine, hence the name; largest scales of all snook. | Occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida as far north on the east coast as St. Lucie River. | usually less than 1 pound ( 12 inches). | Occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida as far north on the east coast as St. Lucie River. | |
Tarpon Snook | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/TarponSnook-optimized.png | 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 fins reach beyond anus. | INSHORE in south Florida; frequently in fresh water. | Usually less than 1 pound ( 12 inches ). | 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. | |
Tarpon | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Tarpon-optimized.png | 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 sides; may be brownish gold in estuarine 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 catches 40 - 50 pounds. | 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 the surface; feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans. | |
Vermillion Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/vermilion-optimized.png | 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. | Spawns April to September; females maturing at 3 to 4 years of age; grows slowly; attains a weight of 6 pounds and length of 24 inches; feeds on small, swimming crustaceans and mollusks. | |
Weakfish | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/weakfish-optimized.png | 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. | An Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move INSHORE and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlet bays, channels, and estuaries; adults move OFFSHORE and south during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries. | 2 to 3 pounds. | May mature as early as age 1; spawns in NEARSHORE or estuarine areas between April and October; schooling fish; feeds primarily on shrimp and fish. | |
White Marlin | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/whitemarlin-optimized.png | 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 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. | Uses its bill to stun fast-moving fish, then turns to consume them; spawning procedures unknown; ranges throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean; feeds on squid and pelagic fish. | |
White Grunt | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/grunt-optimized.png | Body color light bluish-gray, head with horizontal blue stripes, white underbelly; black blotch on peropercle; margin of each scale bronze; large bright orange mouth; scales above leteral line larger than scales below lateral line. | 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. | Most catches 1.5 pounds (15 inches). | Audible grunting is produced by grinding of the pharyngeal teeth, with air bladder acting as amplifier; spawning occurs on OFFSHORE hard bottoms or reefs from May through June; feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. | |
Yellowfin Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/yellowfingrouper-optimized.png | 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. | OFFSHORE on reefs off southern portions of Florida. | Common to 20 pounds. | 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. | |
Yellowmouth Grouper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/yellowmouthgrouper-optimized.png | Color tan or brown with darker spots; spots, or a network of spots, fused into lines; distinct yellow was behind the jaws; yellow around the eyes; outer edges of fins yellowish. | OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as Scamp in the Gulf; range limited to southern Florida. | Common to 15 pounds | Undergoes sex reversal, young individuals female, older individuals becoming male; young fish are bi-colored, dark above white below; feeds on small fish and crustaceans. | |
Yellowtail Snapper | https://southwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/yellowsnapper-optimized.png | 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 NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs. | Common to 3 pounds. | Found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in midsummer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates. |
Southwest Florida Fish Search
Fish Name | Description | Where Found | Size | Remarks | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Almaco Jack | 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. | Wide-ranging in OFFSHORE waters, not a common catch; young are associated with Sargassum. | Usually less than 20 pounds. | Spawns offshore, apparently during spring, summer, and fall. | View Fish |
American Shad | Color of back green or greenish blue with metallic lustre; silvery sides, white underneath 9 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. | OFFSHORE except during late winter spawning run into east coast rivers, notably the St. Johns River. | Most catches 2 to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds | 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. | View Fish |
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | 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 inderside; slender body. | INSHORE species, even found in surf; also common in bays and estuaries; adults occur OFFSHORE. | A small species, 2 ? 4 feet. | 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. | View Fish |
Atlantic Croaker | Inferior mouth; 3 to 5 pairs of small barbels on chin; silvery-gray or bronze body with dark oblique wavy bars or lines; iridescent especially on head; preopercle strongly serrated. | 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. | Usually less than 2 pounds. | During spawning becomes bronze or yellow in color; spawning apparently occurs OFFSHORE in fall; longevity 2 to 4 years. | View Fish |
Atlantic Spadefish | 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 NEARSHORE, around natural reefs, and especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20 feet of water. | Most catches less than 2 pounds, known to reach 15 pounds. | 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. | View Fish |
Banded Rudderfish | Fish is less than 11 inches long; has 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. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE over hard bottom, generally in shallower water than other amberjacks; young associated with weed lines or floating debris and may follow shark and other large fish. | Usually less than 10 pounds. | Adults feed on fish and shrimp; spawns OFFSHORE most of the year. | View Fish |
Bank Sea Bass | 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. | OFFSHORE in deep water with rocks and reefs. | Usually 0.3 pounds ( 8 inches). | Undergoes sex change, starting life as a female, changing into male after 3 or 4 spawning seasons; feeds on the bottom, taking squid, crustaceans, and small fish. | View Fish |
Black Grouper | Olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded preopercle. 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. | 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. | Common to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100 pounds. No Florida record because of identity confusion with Gag, which are mistakenly called ?Black Grouper?. | Spawns between May and August; protogynous hermaphrodites, young predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow older; larger individuals generally in greater depths; feeds on fish and squid. | View Fish |
Black Drum | 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; large scales. | INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. | Common to 30 pounds. | INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. | View Fish |
Blackfin Snapper | Color generally red, with yellow caudal, anal, and pelvic fins; distinctive and prominent dark comma-shapped 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 cintinental shelf. | Common to 20 inches, larger individuals seeking deeper waters. | Sometimes marketed as red snapper; feeds on smaller fish. | View Fish |
Blue Runner | 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 dark blotch on pectoral fin; tail tips blackish. | Juveniles found OFFSHORE; adults NEARSHORE in schools, but sometimes ranging INSHORE as well. | Usually less than 1 pound (11 inches). | 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. | View Fish |
Blue Marlin | Color cobalt blue on top shading to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; dorsal fin and 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 imbedded 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. | All of trophy size are females; males do not exceed 300 pounds; make trans-Atlantic migration; spawning procedures unknown; feeds on squid and pelagic fish, including blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel. | View Fish |
BlueFish | 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. | 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. | Most west coast catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east coast. | 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. | View Fish |
BoneFish | 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. | 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. | 3 to 5 pounds. | 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. | View Fish |
BonnetHead Shark | 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. | Matures at about 3 feet in length and bears 6 to 12 young at one time. Feeds chiefly on crabs and other crustaceans. | View Fish |
Cero Mackerel | Color of black iridescent bluish green; sides silvery; yellow spots forming lines above and below a bronze stripe from pectoral fin to base of the tail; front of first dorsal is bluish black; lateral line curves gradually to base of caudal fin. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks. | Common to 5 pounds. | Unlike other mackerel, does not stray far from Florida waters; spawns OFFSHORE in midsummer; feeds on small fish and squid. | View Fish |
Cobia | Long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects passed 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. | Both INSHORE and OFFSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings and wreaks. | Common to 30 pounds. | Spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish. | View Fish |
Common Snook | Distict black 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 NEARSHORE. | Most catches 5 to 8 pounds. | Spawns primarily in summer; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60? F; can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and larger crustaceans. | View Fish |
Crevalle Jack | 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. | Tolerates a wide range of salinities; schools corner a school of baitfish at the surface and feed with commotion that can be seen for great distances; feeds mainly on small fish; peak spawning occurs OFFSHORE from March through September. | View Fish |
Cubera Snapper | Color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth without posterior extension; despite its specific name, which translates to ?blue-fin?, the fin have only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth on both jaws very strong; one pair of canines enlarged and visible even when mouth is closed. | Juveniles INSHORE in grassbeds; adults OFFSHORE or NEARSHORE over wrecks, reefs, and ledges. | Common to 40 pounds. | The largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range; feeds on fish and larger crustaceans; in the Keys, spawns during later summer. | View Fish |
Dog Snapper | Color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notable enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale triangle and a light blue interruped line below the eye; no dark spot on body under dorsal fin. | Large adults OFFSHORE over coral and rocky reefs; juveniles associated with estuaries. | Large snapper; attaing 30 pounds. | Spawns from spring through fall; known as night feeder; taking fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. | View Fish |
Dog Snapper | Color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notable enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale triangle and a light blue interruped line below the eye; no dark spot on body under dorsal fin. | OFFSHORE in warm waters. | Common to 30 pounds. | One of the fastest-growing fish, thought to live no more than 5 years; swimming speed estimated at 50 knots; spawns in warm oceanic currents throughout much of the year; young found in sargassum weed; feeds on flying fish and squid. | View Fish |
Fantail Mullet | 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 fin over that of the anal fin. | INSHORE, occurring along beaches in the fall. | Small mullet, less than 1 pound. | Spawns in NEARSHORE or possibly INSHORE waters during spring and summer; juveniles occur INSHORE; feeds on algae, small crustaceans, detritus. | View Fish |
Fat Snook | 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 snook. | INSHORE species found in mangrove habitiat; found commonly in fresh water; occurs more in interior waters ( as opposed to estuarine waters ) than other snook. | A small species, rarely more than 20 inches. | Usually found in fresh water; mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young. | View Fish |
Pompano | 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 NEARSHORE waters, especially along sandy beaches, along oyster bars, and over grassbeds, often in turbid water; may be found in water as deep as 130 feet. | Usually less than 3 pounds. | 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. | View Fish |
Gag Grouper | 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; most noticeable differences are brassy spots on 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 distincive, where black is gently rounded | Adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds INSHORE. | Common to 25 pounds. | Forms spawning aggregations in water no shallower than 120 feet in Middle Grounds area. January through March; current research to identify similar aggregations off the Atlantic coast is on going. Young Gags are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow larger; feeds on fish and squid. | View Fish |
Goliath Grouper | Head and fins covered with small black spots; irregular dark vertical bars present on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first dorsal fin shorted than and not separated from second dorsal; adults hugh, upto 800 pounds; eyes small. | NEARSHORE 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. | Largest of the groupers. | Spawns over summer months; lifespan of 30 to 50 years; feeds on crustaceans and fish. NOTE: Jewfish are totally protected from harvest in Florida waters. | View Fish |
Gray Snapper | 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 NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE on coral or rocky reefs. | OFFSHORE catches common 8 to 10 pounds. | Spawns June through August; feeds on crustaceans and small fish. Also known as “Mangrove Snapper”. | View Fish |
Greater Amberjack | 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. | OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60-240 feet of water; sometimes caught NEARSHORE in south Florida; juveniles associate with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep. | Common to 40 pounds. | Largest of the jacks; thought to spawn OFFSHORE throughout much of the year; feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans. | View Fish |
Gulf Flounder | Body color brown, its shade depending on color 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; strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin in shape of wedge, its tip in the middle. | INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into title creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs. | Common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder. | 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 fish. | View Fish |
King Mackerel | Color of black iridescent bluish green, sides silvery; streamlined body with tapered head; no black pigment on front of the first dorsal fin; lateral line starts high and drops sharply below the second dorsal; young fish often have yellowish spots like those of Spanish mackerel. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE; occasionally taken from piers running into deep water. | Common to 20 pounds. | 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 fish and squid. | View Fish |
LadyFish | Terminal mouth; slender body; small scales; last dorsal ray not elongated; head small and pointed. | INSHORE fish, in bays and estuaries; occasionally enters freshwater, occuring in tidal pools and canals; often forms large schools and harasses bait at the surface. | 2 to 3 pounds. | Known to spawn OFFSHORE; ribbon-like larvae very similar to Albula and Egalops, peaking in fall; adults feed predominantly on fish and crustaceans; leaps when hooked. | View Fish |
Lane Snapper | 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. | Spawns March to September, sexually mature at 6 inches; feeds on the bottom, taking crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. | View Fish |
Lesser Amberjack | Olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than Greater Amberjack. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep). | Usually under 10 pounds. | Smallest of the Amberjacks; believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid. | View Fish |
Longbill Spearfish | Olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than Greater Amberjack. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep). | Usually under 10 pounds. | Smallest of the Amberjacks; believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid. | View Fish |
Mohogany Snapper | Olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than Greater Amberjack. | NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep). | Usually under 10 pounds. | Smallest of the Amberjacks; believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid. | View Fish |
Mutton Snapper | Colored olive green on back and upper sides, all fins below 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 roof of mouth. | AN INSHORE species associated with grass beds, mangroves, and canals; larger adults occasionally found on OFFSHORE reefs. | Common to 15 pounds | Spawns in July and August; feeds on fish, crustaceans, and snails. | View Fish |
Nassau Grouper | 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 eyes; large black saddle on caudal peduncle. | Range limited to south Florida; somewhat site specific; smaller individuals NEARSHORE, adults OFFSHORE on rocky reefs. | Most catches under 10 pounds. | Forms large spawning aggregations, making this species highly vulnerable to overharvest. NOTE: all hervest of this species is prohibited. | View Fish |
Palometa | Grayish-blue-green on top of head and along the back; bright slivery 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 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. | Thought to spawn offshore in spring, summer, and fall; has shown rapid growth in mariculture experiments; readily strikes small artificial lures. | View Fish |
Permit | 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 dorsal rays; 16 to 19 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. | Feeds mainly on bottom-dwelling crabs, shrimp, small clams, and small fish. | View Fish |
Queen Snapper | Color of back and upper sides red. lower sides; 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-depths. | Small species, usually less than 20 inches. | Little is known, but it is reported that adults live at depths greater than 400 feet. | View Fish |
Red Drum | Chin without barbels; copper-brozne body; lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large. | Juveniles are an INSHORE fish; migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawing population OFFSHORE. | One about 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds. | Spawning occurs from August to Novermber 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. | View Fish |
Red Grouper | 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 and white at midfin; black dots around the eyes. | Bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years old occupy NEARSHORE reefs. | Common to 15 pounds. | Spawns in April and May; prefers water temperatures between 66 and 77°F; undergoes sex reversal, young individuals female, becoming male as they age; lifespan of at least 25 years; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish. | View Fish |
Red Snapper | 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. | Upto 20 pounds. | Juveniles occur over sandy or mu 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. | View Fish |
Rock Sea Bass | Color olive-brown or bronze, with dark blotches forming vertical bars; dark black blotche 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. | OFFSHORE; differs from other sea basses in that it is often found on sandy or muddy bottoms. | Small species, rarely more than 10 inches. | Spawns January through March; young adults are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow older; maximum size is about 10 inches. | View Fish |
Sailfish | Color dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in for of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the anus; body covered with imbedded scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved over pectoral, then straight to base of tail. | OFFSHORE species, in south Florida associated with waters near Gulf Stream; off the panhandle near the 100-fathom line. | Common to 7 feet. | 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 fish and squid. | View Fish |
Sand Sea Trout | Pale body color, yellow above, silver to white below; one or two prominent canine teeth usually at the 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. | A Gulf species, that may occur in the Atlantic waters of extreme southeastern Florida; adults predominantly found INSHORE residing in bays and inlets, but may move OFFSHORE during winter months; young occur INSHORE in shallow bays. | Usually less than 1 pound (10-12 inches). | Matures during first or second year; prolonged inshore spawning season extends through spring and summer; feeds mainly on small fish and shrimp. | View Fish |
Scalloped Hammerhead | fifth gill slit shorter than 4 preceding 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; | Both OFFSHORE and INSHORE. | Commonly 6 feet and can reach 14 feet. | Predatory fish, feeding mainly on fish squid, and stingrays; male matures at about 6 feet in length. | View Fish |
Scamp | 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. | NEARSHORE reefs off the northeastern coast, and on OFFSHORE reefs in the Gulf. | Generally smaller than Gags or Blacks. | Spawns in late spring; feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans; undergoes sex transformation from female to male as it becomes older. | View Fish |
Schoolmaster | 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 grass flats; adults NEARSHORE especially around elkhorn coral reefs; large adults sometimes found on continental shelf. | Usually less than 1 pound. | Spawns July and August; attains sizes of 8 pounds and 24 inches; slow grower; feeds on crustaceans, small fish, and gastropods. | View Fish |
Sheepshead | 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 NEARSHORE 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. | Feeds on mollusks and crustaceans such as fiddler crabs and barnicles; famed nibblers, prompting the saying “anglers must strike just before they bite.” | View Fish |
Shortfin Mako | 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 edges. | OFFSHORE fish often seen near the surface. | Commonly 6 to 8 feet ( 200 - 300 pounds ). | Active, strong swimming fish known for leaping out of the water when hooked; feeds on mackerel, tuna, sardines, and some much larger fish. | View Fish |
Silk Snapper | Back and upper sides pinkish red, shading to silvery sides with undulating yellow lines; pecorals 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 is south Florida. | Usually less than 5 pounds. | Little is known. | View Fish |
Silver Sea Trout | Pale straw colored above, silvery sides and white below; no distinctive pigmentation, although faint diagonal lines may be present on upper body; 8 to9 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. | Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms OFFSHORE along both the Gulf and the Atlantic coasts of Florida; migrates into bays during cold months. | Usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches) | Smallest seatrout; spawns OFFSHORE in deep water during spring, summer, and fall; feeds on small fish and shrimp. | View Fish |
Silver Perch | Color silvery with yellowish fins; no spots; no chin barbels; no prominent canine teeth at tip of of upper jaw: preopercle finely serrated; 5 to 6 chin pores; mouth terminal. | INSHORE in seagrass beds, tidal creeks and rivers, and marshes. | Small, not exceeding 9 inches. | 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 fish; may live to 6 years. | View Fish |
Spanish Mackerel | Color of back green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line; front dorsal fin black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail. | INSHORE, NEARSHORE, and OFFSHORE, especially over deep grass beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in winter. | Average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches). | Schooling fish that migrate northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperatures drop below 70° F; spawns OFFSHORE, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid. | View Fish |
Spotted Sea Trout | 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. | INSHORE and /or NEARSHORE over grass, sand, and sandy mud bottoms; move into shallow waters in cold weather. | Common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast. | 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° F, and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years. | View Fish |
Striped (Black) Mullet | Color bluish-gray or green above, shading to silver on sides, with indistinct 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 anal fin. | INSHORE | Roe mullet common to 3 pounds but in aquariums known to reach 12 pounds or more. | Adults migrate OFFSHORE in large schools to spawn; juveniles migrate INSHORE at about 1 inch in size, moving far up title creeks; frequent leapers; feeds on algae, detritus, and other tiny marine forms. | View Fish |
Swordfish | Color of back variable, black, grayish blue, brown, metallic purple, or bronze; sides dusty; 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 worldwide species in temperate and tropical; known to frequent depths of 400 to 500 fathoms; also has been seen basking at the surface. | Once averaged 200 pounds, but over harvest has reduced size of commercially caught swordfish to average 48 inches. | 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. | View Fish |
Swordspine Snook | Smallest of the snooks; profile slightly concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black ( not solid ), extends above, silvery below; giant second anal spine, hence the name; largest scales of all snook. | Occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida as far north on the east coast as St. Lucie River. | usually less than 1 pound ( 12 inches). | Occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida as far north on the east coast as St. Lucie River. | View Fish |
Tarpon Snook | 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 fins reach beyond anus. | INSHORE in south Florida; frequently in fresh water. | Usually less than 1 pound ( 12 inches ). | 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. | View Fish |
Tarpon | 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 sides; may be brownish gold in estuarine 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 catches 40 - 50 pounds. | 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 the surface; feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans. | View Fish |
Vermillion Snapper | 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. | Spawns April to September; females maturing at 3 to 4 years of age; grows slowly; attains a weight of 6 pounds and length of 24 inches; feeds on small, swimming crustaceans and mollusks. | View Fish |
Weakfish | 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. | An Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move INSHORE and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlet bays, channels, and estuaries; adults move OFFSHORE and south during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries. | 2 to 3 pounds. | May mature as early as age 1; spawns in NEARSHORE or estuarine areas between April and October; schooling fish; feeds primarily on shrimp and fish. | View Fish |
White Marlin | 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 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. | Uses its bill to stun fast-moving fish, then turns to consume them; spawning procedures unknown; ranges throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean; feeds on squid and pelagic fish. | View Fish |
White Grunt | Body color light bluish-gray, head with horizontal blue stripes, white underbelly; black blotch on peropercle; margin of each scale bronze; large bright orange mouth; scales above leteral line larger than scales below lateral line. | 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. | Most catches 1.5 pounds (15 inches). | Audible grunting is produced by grinding of the pharyngeal teeth, with air bladder acting as amplifier; spawning occurs on OFFSHORE hard bottoms or reefs from May through June; feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. | View Fish |
Yellowfin Grouper | 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. | OFFSHORE on reefs off southern portions of Florida. | Common to 20 pounds. | 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. | View Fish |
Yellowmouth Grouper | Color tan or brown with darker spots; spots, or a network of spots, fused into lines; distinct yellow was behind the jaws; yellow around the eyes; outer edges of fins yellowish. | OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as Scamp in the Gulf; range limited to southern Florida. | Common to 15 pounds | Undergoes sex reversal, young individuals female, older individuals becoming male; young fish are bi-colored, dark above white below; feeds on small fish and crustaceans. | View Fish |
Yellowtail Snapper | 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 NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs. | Common to 3 pounds. | Found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in midsummer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates. | View Fish |