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 seatrouts.
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.
*Florida Record: 15 lbs., 6 ozs.
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.