Description: 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.
Similar Fish: other
seatrouts.
Where found: an Atlantic
coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move
INSHORE and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlets, bays,
channels and estuaries; adults move OFFSHORE and south during cold months;
juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries.
Size: 2 to 3 pounds.
*Florida Record: 10 lbs.
Remarks: 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.
* 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.
