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.
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.
*Florida Record: n/a
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.
* 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.
