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.
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.
*Florida Record: 130
lbs., 1 ozs.
Remarks: spawns in spring
and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish.
* The Florida records
quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's
printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are
provided as only as a benchmark.
