Shoreline Bait Catching Species of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
Species > Bait Catching Species South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
Whether you are bait catching or exploring the shoreline with a hand net, you will encounter many species that may or may not be used as bait. Presented here are common bait fish and other species you may catch while cast netting, seine 
netting, dip netting, or hand netting from the shoreline or inshore in the South Atlantic, Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding areas like Cuba and the Bahamas. Brief details for each species help you identify the creatures you find. Many fish species are juvenile sportfish and are included here to help you ID them. P = Protected Species R = Regulated Species 
= Dangerous to Handle
Juvenile "sport fish" inhabit beaches, estuaries and inshore waters and may not be legal to harvest or use for bait. Each state has their own regulations for bait catching and individual species harvesting in state waters, so please look up license requirements, gear allowed and individual species regulations for the area you will be catching bait. Species indicated as regulated are based on Florida rules; nearby states may have similar regulations. Unregulated species usually have a harvest limit. Release live species that are prohibited, under legal size, or surpass daily bag limits.
1. Scaled Sardine aka Pilchard and Greenback (Harengula jaguana)
The scaled sardine, a western South Atlantic fish found in coastal waters from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico. This herring species is also called pilchard, whitebait, greenback, or mata. They can grow up to 9 inches but are typically only 4 to 6 inches long. Distinguishing characteristics include a solid color back with dark streaks and a dark spot on either their gill cover or on their shoulder. Scaled sardine are reat bait and can be caught with cast nets, sabiki rigs or minnow rings. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County-Bryan Fluech
2. Atlantic Thread Herring (Opisthonema oglinum)
The Atlantic thread herring is a fish found in the western Atlantic from Cape Cod all the way to Brazil. This fish can be eaten but is more commonly used as bait. Distinguishing characteristics are a dark blue-green or gray back, a silver body and white underside. This fish is often confused with the scaled sardine because of its coloring and spots on the shoulder, but it can be distinguished by an elongated ray on the dorsal fin and by its size, which averages about 15 inches. They form schools and occupy harbors and shallow coastal waters. Their preferred diet consists of plankton, small fish, and small crustacean. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County-Bryan Fluech
3. American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)
The American shad, a silvery fish with blue-green markings on its back, can be found along the North American coast from Canada to Florida. The species was introduced to the Pacific Ocean in the 19th century and can also be found along the western cost of North America. They weigh between 5 and 8 pounds and grow to an average of 20 inches in length. This is a schooling fish sought after for eating, including the roe, which is considered a delicacy, but are also used as bait. They primarily feed on plankton, small shrimp and fish eggs. They are commercially fished in rivers during spawning season, which occurs in warm coastal rivers during the spring and summer. Image Credit: Virginia Institute of Marine Science/Juvenile Fish Trawl Survey
4. Atlantic Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) R
The Atlantic menhaden is a species of herring found in North Atlantic coastal waters from Nova Scotia to Florida's Northeast coast. The fish is primarily silver and identifiable by a black spot behind the gill opening. Its compact body grows to 15 inches weighing 1 pound. As filter feeders, their diet consists of phytoplankton and zooplankton. They are common prey for striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and birds such as ospreys and eagles. From shore, you can catch Menhaden by throwing a cast net over the large, tight schools in which they swim. Though they can be eaten, they are used primarily for fish oil, fertilizer and bait. Check regulations on this species before harvesting. Image Credit: Virginia Institute of Marine Science/Juvenile Fish Trawl Survey
5. Bigeye Scad aka Goggle-Eye (Selar crumenophthalmus)
The bigeye scad is found in subtropical regions, from Bermuda and the Southeastern United States through the Gulf of Mexico. Also called google-eye, these bluish-green fish travel in schools feeding on small invertebrates, fish larvae, and zooplankton in tropical reefs. They can grow up to 15 inches, but most are between 8 and 10 inches. They are eaten in many places, but their most common use is as bait for tuna and other sportfish. Catch them from the shore at night, preferably just before a new moon. Use an underwater light and a UV lure to attract them. Image #2 Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
6. Spanish Sardine aka Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita)
The Spanish sardine has a slender body with a bluish-gray or sometimes black back. Its sides appear silver or brassy in color. It averages 10 inches in length as an adult at a weight of 8 ounces. This sardine is favored by mackerel, tarpon and sharks. These species of fish live and travel in large schools and typically feed on plankton. They can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. These fish can be caught by a cast net or sibiki rig. You can also lure this species to shore using a light. Spanish sardine are very popular bait and used to catch most saltwater fish. Use them alive or frozen trolling or bottom fishing either whole or cut up. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
7. Hickory Shad (Alosa mediocris)
Hickory shad are a type of Herring found on the East Coast of the United States from Florida to Maine. It can be identified by the shiny silver body with hints of green, its iridescent belly, and a line of fading black spots above the shoulder. Their average size is between 12 and 20 inches long. It spawns in freshwater, but spends most of its life in saltwater. This shad prefers to feed on smaller fish and fish eggs and is rarely far from land. Hickory Shad can be found near structure in moving water, feeding at the surface, sometimes jumping out of the water after insects. Most anglers prefer to catch them using a shad dart or small lures. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
8. Round Scad aka Cigar Minnow (Decapterus punctatus)
The Round scad is commonly found throughout the coastal zone of the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Nova Scotia to Rio de Janeiro. This fish is nicknamed the "cigar minnow" due to its cigar-like shape. Green on the top of its body and white on the bottom, this fish has a black spot and a yellow stripe from its head to its tail. Averaging 12 inches as an adult, this fish can weigh over a half pound. It commonly eats copepods. Catch this fish from shore using a Sabiki rig tipped with squid. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
9. Ballyhoo (Hemiramphus brasiliensis)
Ballyhoo is a bait fish found in the southern temperate Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. These fish are recognizable by their thin, elongated beak and yellow fin. They travel in schools near the surface of the water, swimming so fast that they can be seen skimming the surface. They can grow up to 20 inches, but most don't exceed 14 inches, feeding mainly on sea grasses and smaller fish. They are primarily used as bait for offshore gamefish and can be caught from land in grass flats using a cast net or from a boat anchored along a reef or contour using a simple net or Sabiki rig. Broadcasting fish chum helps to lure ballyhoo to you. Use ballyhoo trolling for sailfish, marlin, tunas, wahoo, dolphins and kingfish. Image Credit: Tim Donovan, MyFWCMedia on Flickr
10. Atlantic Needlefish (Strongylura marina)
The Atlantic Needlefish is a native species found in Brazil all the way to Maine. This fish is identifiable through its silversides, long jaw and thin body which can grow to 2 feet. These fish are prey to many other species such as dolphins or black skimmers. This species primarily feeds on shrimp or other small fish. To catch these fish, use a lure with a tail hook to snag them firmly or use a Sabiki rig. They can be found in salt or brackish water and will take about any bait. Needlefish are rarely eaten but make great bait for catching snook, barracuda, flounder and stripers. Image Credit: Brian Fluech, Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County
11. False Silverstripe Halfbeak (Hyporhamphus meeki)
False SilverStripe Halfbeak is a slender fish, with a rounded body. The most distinctive feature of this fish is the lower jaw is longer than the top. Silverstripe range in size from 7 to 8 1/2 inches. This fish is a schooling fish. That is silvery green on top and silvery-white on belly. Their diet is omnivorous consuming microalgae, zooplankton, and smaller fish. This halfbeak prefers brackish and freshwaters ranging from Massachusetts to Mexico. The best place to cast a net is vegetated or inshore sandy areas. The Silverstripe are popular bait for billfishes, mackerels, and sharks. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
12. Juvenile Houndfish aka Crocodile Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus crocodilus)
Image Credit:Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission via Twitter
13. Bay Anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli)
The Bay Anchovy is a small translucent fish, growing up to four inches in length, that is greenish-silver in appearance with a silver stripe on both its sides. With a forked tail fin and single dorsal, these fish live in schools and feed on zooplankton (mainly copepods). Bay anchovy travel in dense schools in brackish and shallow coastal waters, rivers, the surf and estuaries prefering aquatic vegetation. This species inhabits the Western Atlantic from the Yucatan Peninsula all the way north to Maine. Because these small fish prefer to spend time near the surface, a shallow bait net is the best technique to try catching them. Bay anchovy are a favorite food for striped bass, bluefish and weakfish. This species is harvested commercially for its oil and to make anchovy paste. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
14. Striped Anchovy (Anchoa hepsetus)
The Striped Anchovy is a small schooling fish that is found along much of the western Atlantic coast from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. This bait fish is 6 inches as an adult. This anchovy features a large eye, a notable silver stripe on black dotted, grey-green skin, an undercut jaw and prominent snout. Adults feed on small mollusks, crustaceans and sea worms. These bait fish are the prey of birds and make great bait for sea trout and striped bass. Anchovies are commonly caught from shore using casting nets, though they can also be caught using seines, dip nets, and even sibiki rigs. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
15. Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina)
The Inland Silverside is a small bait fish that can be found in estuaries and freshwater on the eastern shore of the United States from Maine to Florida. They have silver sides and a yellow back, and on average are 6 inches long as an adult. The diet of a Silverside fish consists of zooplankton. They can be caught easily with a cast net thrown from shore. This fish is a good bait for Striped Bass or Bluefish. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
16. Atlantic Silverside (Menidia menidia)
Commonly used as bait, the Atlantic Silverside is found along the East Coast of North America from northern Florida to Quebec. They typically grow to between three and six inches and have a distinctive metallic silver strip on their sides. These fish commonly feed on algae and small invertebrates and their small size makes them easy prey for shorebirds and larger fish, such as bluefish and mackerel. This species is normally found in shallower, more salient waters from April to late June. The Silverside can easily be caught from shore using a seine net or umbrella net. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
17. Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides)
Pinfish is a species originated in coastal waters, Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Cuba to the Yucatan peninsula. This fish has a silver shine color, with yellow fins and a dark spot on the shoulder. Its body grows to 6 inches weighing 1 pound. As voracious feeders with human-likeincisor teeth, their diet consists of fish eggs, fish, crustaceans, shrimp, mysids and amphipods. Pinfish can be found inshore over grassy flats and sometimes brackish rivers. From a channel marker, you can catch Lagodon by using a sabiki rig or dropping a trap filling it with bait such as squid or shrimp. Pinfish are used primarily for tarpon, cobia, snook, grouper, big mutton, mangrove snapper and jack crevalle. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
18. Spottail Pinfish (Diplodus holbrookii)
The Spottail Pinfish is a species of fish native to the Western Atlantic Ocean including the United States bay areas and the Gulf of Mexico. This fish is gray with a small black spot near the base of the tail fin. Younger Pinfish are typically found in shallow vegetated bottoms; larger individuals can be found up to 108 feet deep. The Spottail's diet consists of shrimp, squid and clams. Once a school is located tossing chum into the water followed by a castnet is one of the easiest methods to catch the fish from the shore.
19. Silver Perch (Bairdiella chrysoura)
Silver Perch may be found on the Eastern coast of the United States, primarily from New York to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. They are identifiable by their yellow hued fins, pointed tail, and silvery blue or green tinted coloring on its body. It is normally under 9 inches in length and has no barbel on its chin. It swims in large schools near marshes or grass beds. This species is easily caught using a seine net or small hooks baited with worms. This perch is most commonly used as bait for striped bass and bluefish. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
20. Spot (Leiostomus xanthuru)
The Spot fish is native to the Atlantic coastal waters. Spot is found from the Gulf of Maine to the Rio Grande. This fish has a unique marking above the gill cover that resembles an eye. It is a bluish silver color. Spot are 5.5 inches to 13.5 inches when full grown. They generally feed on soft bodied invertebrates and crustaceans, worms, small plankton and more. These fish can be caught by boat, shore or dock using small hooks and baits. Best baits for this particular fish are bloodworms, shrimp, and other saltwater bait. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
21. Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera)
The pigfish is found along the coast of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. The fish can be indentified by the spined dorsal fin with long, soft anal fins that are yellow-bronze in color. Their bodies grow to 7 to 9 inches and they weigh up to 1 pound. Their diet consists of fish larvae, crustaceans, and smaller fish. Pigfish are prey for snappers, groupers, sharks and spotted seatrout. Commonly used as baitfish, adults more frequently inhabit coastal waters over mud and sandy bottoms. Use a trap with frozen chum dropped into 4 feet of coastal water, or a Sabiki rig with shrimp to catch these baitfish. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
22. Juvenile Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) R
Scup are abundant in coastal waters from Massachusetts to South Carolina but can be found in South Atlantic waters all the way into the Gulf of Mexico. Silver in color with a blue streak at the base of their dorsal fin, scup have small mouths with large eyes high on the sides of their head. Scup travel in schools with the young very close to land over rocky shorelines. Scup are bottom feeders preferring crustaceans, worms, sand dollars and young squid. You can catch young fry around 3 inches when seining or hand netting. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
23. Juvenile Red Porgy (Pagrus pagrus)
The red porgy is found in warm coastal waters in the Atlantic from New York through the northern Gulf of Mexico. This species has a deep, oval body with a pink hue and lighter under belly and can grow to 30 inches in length. With large canine-like teeth, this porgy feeds on crustaceans, mollusks and small fish. Juvenile are found in seagrass beds where adults inhabit rocky reefs with soft sediment. This species is know to be great table fare. Image Credit: NOAA SEFSC
24. Juvenile Saucereye Porgy (Calamus calamus)
Saucereye porgy inhabit warm coastal waters from North Carolina to Brazil. This porgy has a deep, compressed body with a silvery coloring, blue lateral line and yellow and blue spots on their cheeks. Saucereye porgys grow to 22 inches and can weigh up to 2 pounds. Juvenile saucereye can be found in seagrass beds and soft sandy bottoms where adults prefer coral reefs. This porgy feeds on mollusks, crabs, sea urchins and worms. Large porgy make a great meal. Images Credit: NOAA SEFSC
25. White Mullet (Mugil curema) R
The white mullet are common in shallow coastal waters that surround Florida but can be found as far north as Cape Cod. On occasion, anglers have hooked this species in Florida's freshwater lakes but those instances are rare. This fish is identified by the black edge of the caudal fin, the pale body with slightly darker horizontal stripes and the dark tail. Mullet are notorious for NOT taking a baited hook or artificial lure. Schools of mullet can be seen at certain times of the year school in coastal bays. The best way to catch them is with a cast net thrown onto a school. To get a school to come near you, toss in some fish chum. Another place to locate white mullet schools is near fishing cleaning tables. A small bit of fish entrail is usually all it takes to entice a member of this species into taking the hook. While this species is edible, most anglers prefer using for bait. In Florida, mullet are eaten frequently either fried or smoked. Check local regulations on this species before harvesting.
26. Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus) R
The striped mullet is a schooling coastal species that can be found in waters from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico. They can also be found in US rivers, inlets and estuaries in brackish waters. The fish is silver or olive green with horizontal stripes and a dark spot around the pectoral fin. It can reach a length of 20 inches and can weigh up to 3 pounds. Their diet consists primarily of algae, zooplankton, tiny marine life and detritus. From shore, catch them by throwing simple bait such as oatmeal, and casting a net over them as they feed. The oily meat of the mullet can be eaten or used as bait to catch larger fish like spotted seatrout, red drum or flounder. Check local regulations on this species before harvesting. Image Credit: Virginia Institute of Marine Science/Juvenile Fish Trawl Survey
27. Mountain Mullet (Dajaus monticola)
The mountain mullet is a type of mullet found in the Western Atlantic from North Carolina to Texas, throughout the southern region of the United States. This fish has an olive colored upper side and a white colored underside. The fins of the fish are yellow in color, and young of the species have a dark spot at the base of the tail fin. The fish can grow up to fourteen inches in length. The fish is found in freshwater and brackish waters; but is especially found in pools of water or small to medium sized coastal rivers. They are found solely in freshwater once the fish matures. The fish can be caught from shore using bait and hook and is utilized as bait for larger fish or for consumption. Check local regulations on this species before harvesting. Image Credit: FWC on Facebook
28. Juvenile Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) R
Tarpon are found along the Atlantic coast from Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico. These fish are found inshore primarily, but some adults may be found offshore. Juvenile tarpon can be found in in shallow bays and estuaries, sometime in brackish waterways. Tarpon are dark blue to green or greenish black on the back and bright silver on the sides and belly. Tarpon grow up to 8 feet long and 300 pounds and are a prised sportfish. They feed on fish and large crustaceans. Juvenile tarpon are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species.
29. Juvenile Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) R
Juvenile cobia can be found inshore, where adult cobia are found offshore. Cobia migrate along the Atlantic from Massachusetts in the summer months through the Gulf of Mexico in the winter. This species prefers warm subtropical waters so it can be found year round in Florida waters around buoys, pilings, and wrecks. This fish has a brown like color that fades to white around the underside. The fish has a dark stripe going from the eye to the tail. Juveniles have alternating black and white stripes. This fish grows up to 6 feet long and 150 pounds. The fish eats crabs, squids, and smaller fish. Juvenile cobia are occasionally caught while bait catching and should be released because they are a regulated species. Image Credit: Smithsonian via Wikipedia
30. Juvenile Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
Juvenile Barracuda are found inshore in sheltered estuaries, in mangroves or in seagrass beds hiding from predators. Barracuda are common in the western Atlantic Ocean and in the Gulf of Mexico. They are torpedo shaped and have a very pointed snout that is filled with an array of sharp teeth. This fish is a shiny blue-gray above fading to silver and white below, usually with a dark stripe on either side that breaks into spots as the fish grows. They can grow to over 5 feet long and over 100 pounds. The fish can be caught with a handline, rod and reel, or nets but are not recommended to eat as they may contain ciguatera poisoning. They feed on fishes such as jacks, grunts, snappers, and mullets. This species is very curious and likes shiny objects or fish caught on spears making the adults somewhat dangerous to humans. Image #2 Credit: Smithsonian via Flickr
31. Juvenile Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) R
Juvenile Snook, sometimes called robalo, prefer tropical waters along the west and east coasts of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic to the coast of North Carolina. They move between fresh and salt water and prefer underwater structures such as pilings, reefs or sea grass beds with mangrove being their favorite habitat. These fish are easily recognized by their elongated body, sloping forehead and protruding lower jaw. They are further characterized by their prominent black lateral line that extends to the caudal fin. Most snooks color ranges from dark brown to dull gray with a yellow to green tint on the dorsal surface. The pectoral fins are bright yellow in color. These fish as juveniles are males but as they mature, they become females. Snook can grow up to 48 inches and 50 pounds and primarily feed on minnows, pinfish, or shrimp. If caught they should be released because they are a regulated species. Learn more about Snook.
32. Juvenile Tarpon Snook (Centropomus pectinatus) R
The Tarpon snook has the same characteristics as the common snook except it has a deeper body. Snook Image Credits: #1 and #3 FWC via Facebook; #2 Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
33. Atlantic Bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus)
The Atlantic Bumper is a species of Carangidae found in the Western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida. Adult Bumper reside over soft bottoms of the continental shelf and form schools near ocean's surface. Juveniles are found in brackish estuaries and often associate with jellyfish. Bumber eat cephalopods, zooplankton and detritus. This species is green and blue with silver sides, a short snout, black saddle on the tail and range in length from 10 to 25 inches. Caught primarily as a by-catch of trawls and seines, this fish can also be caught hook and line from shore. Atlantic bumper is used for oil, pet food and human consumption. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
34. Juvenile Crevalle Jack (Caranx hippos)
Juvenile crevalle jack are found throughout the Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to the northern Gulf of Mexico. The crevalle jack appears mostly where there are shallow flats and waters. The adult crevalle moves inshore or on reefs at maturation and generally travel in pairs, while the juvenile crevalle travel in schools in brackish estuaries near beaches and marshes feeding on smaller fish. This fish has a green-blue or blue-black color on top and a white to yellow bottom. Juveniles have five black stripes. This fish is common at 1 to 5 pounds but can grow up to 39 inches long and weigh 55 pounds. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
35. Juvenile Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) R
Permit can be found in the Western Atlantic but are particularly numerous in Southern Florida. They live inshore, preferring shallow waters less than 2 feet. Older fish will travel deeper, congregating near existing structures such a reefs. Permit grow quite large, around 48 inches lengthwise with a weight of 79 pounds. Their bodies appear very tall and flat, with forked tails and a long, thin, anterior dorsal fin. They eat primarily mollusks and crustaceans but are opportunistic feeders. Permit appear bright silver with blue-green or brown tinted scales along their backs and hints of bright yellow visible on their bellies. This species is regulated and must be released when caught while bait catching. Images Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County
36. Florida Pompano (Tracshinotus carolinus) R
The Florida Pompano are a set of pelagic, thin-bodied fish which are silver at the sides with shades of greenish-grey at the back and yellow at the stomach. The Pompano typically travel in schools and frequent warm, coastal areas such as sandy beaches and bays. Their location ranges from Massachusetts to Brazil, but they are more commonly found near southeastern areas in the US such as Florida. The Florida Pompano tend to feed on crustaceans and mollusks, can grow up to 24 inches and weigh up to 8 pounds.This species is regulated and must be released when caught while bait catching. Image Credit: NOAA/NMFS
37. Palometa aka Greater Pompano (Trachinotus goodei)
Palometa are found in schools close to coral formations over clear shallow reefs, most commonly found in south Florida and the Caribbean. They are gray to blue/green on top and have bright silver sides and a yellow belly. The dorsal and anal fins are very elongated. This species has distinctive narrow bars on the sides and a small fifth one near the tail, this distinguishes it from the Florida Pompano. They feed on small fish, mollusks and crustaceans and are usually less than 20 inches or 1 pound.
38. American Harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus)
The American Harvestfish is found along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida. The Harvestfish has a green to silver look on top and is silver with yellow on its sides and underside. The fish's fins are yellow tinted. The fish can grow up to eleven inches in length. The fish lives in small schools in subtropical locations such as coastal bays and around islands. Juveniles are found in brackish waterways. Mature fish of this type eat jellyfish, small fish, crustaceans and worms; juveniles eat plankton. This fish is caught with seines and is great consumed. Image Credit: NOAA
39. American Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus)
Butterfish can be found in Florida but are primarily found from Cape Hatteras to the Gulf of Maine. They travel in small schools and prefer inshore areas and sandy seafloors. The Butterfish are oval with a bluish back and silver sides with several dark blotches. Most are generally 6-9 inches and can weigh up to 20 ounces. They feed on small fish, squid and shrimp. Their high oily content makes them great to use as bait.
40. Atlantic Moonfish (Selene setapinnis)
The Atlantic moonfish has a deep body that is short and tightly compressed and a sloped face, and are typically the size of a manhole cover. This fish can be found in the western Atlantic, Nova Scotia to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and South America. These fish are usually located near the bottom of inshore waters, but often form schools near the surface of waters. Squid and krill make up most of the moonfish's diet. Although edible, this fish is not typically consumed within western culture. Image #2 Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
41. Lookdown (Selene vomer)
The Lookdown fish, named for its appearance to look down while swimming, has a silvery, flattened appearance and a large mouth that sits low on its face. This species can grow 10 to 12 inches and average 1 pound. The Lookdown fish can mostly be found in sandy areas in bays near bridges and pilings and most commonly in the subtropical waters in the Atlantic and Gulf but can be found as far north as Nova Scotia. These fish are known to be fast swimming carnivores with an appetite for meaty foods and occasionally living items. If you are planning to fish for this fish, live minnows, shrimp, worms and other crustaceans can be used as bait or small artificial lures. This species doesn't like dead live bait. In Florida, you can find this species around docks with lights at night. Lookdown are excellent panfish. Image Credit: NOAA
42. Juvenile Red Drum aka Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) R
The red drum is commonly found in coastal waterways in the Atlantic. They move inshore to seagrass with muddy and sandy bottoms, oyster beds and creeks in the winter. The juveniles remain inshore until reaching maturation. Reds are copper to bronze in color, slowly fading to a white underbelly. They frequently have dark spots at the base of the tail fin. This fish grows up to sixty-one inches in length. This juvenile species is commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
43. Juvenile Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) R
Juvenile black drum are mostly found in brackish estuaries along the Atlantic coast. The black drum slowly moves inshore when maturing to bays, rivers and lagoons. This fish can be easily found along oyster beds, docks, piers and bridges. The fish is grey or black on the back, becoming more light at the belly. The juveniles have four to six dark stripes. This is the largest of the drum fish as it can grow up to sixty-seven inches in length. Juvenile black drum are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because they are a regulated species. Image Credit: Angling Addict, Rob Choi
44. Banded Drum aka Barred Drum (Larimus fasciatus)
The Banded Drum, otherwise known as the Barred Drum, is found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Texas. It is not found in southern Florida, however. These fish are found in mud bottoms in coastal waterways. The Banded Drum is a olive to grey color on top, and a silvery white color on the belly. They have seven to nine dark, vertical stripes. The fish can grow up to around nine inches in length. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
45. Star Drum (Stellifer lanceolatus)
Star Drum is most commonly found in hard sandy mud bottoms in coastal waters and rivers in the Western Atlantic from Virginia to Texas with the exception of Southern Florida The Star Drum feeds mainly on small crustaceans and is not marketed for human consumption. Being a robust, but moderately compressed bodied fish, its common length is 5 to 8 inches. They are grey and silver in color and have hints of yellow and brown. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
46. Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
Found on the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts southward throughout the Gulf of Mexico, except for southern Florida. They inhabit mud and sand bottoms in coastal or brackish waters. They are silver with a pinkish cast with brown vertical stripes on its sides. Its distinguishing characteristics include three to five pairs of small "whiskers" on their chins that that help them feel for food on the sea floor. Their diet includes shrimp, crabs and small fish. They are easily caught with bait when bottom fishing and are used as bait to catch other fish, especially spotted seatrout. Most are under 1 pound but some have been seen as large as 4 pounds offshore.
47. Gulf Kingfish aka Whiting (Menticirrhus littoralis)
The Gulf kingfish is found in the western Atlantic from Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico. It lives primarily in coastal waters around surf zones. This fish is silver in color all over with no dark marks or spots and is a darker shade on top fading to lighter with a black tip on the tail fin. The gulf kingfish can grow up to eighteen inches in length and up to three pounds. It feeds on smaller fishes and invertebrates. This fish is caught from the shore with bait and hook by casting into the waves. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
48. Southern Kingfish aka Whiting (Menticirrhus americanus)
The Southern Kingfish, also called whiting, can weigh up to 2.5 pounds and grows up to 16 inches. It has a protruding snout and a barbel on its lower lip. It can be found in the Atlantic Ocean from New England to Florida, also in the Gulf of Mexico. It prefers shallow water with sandy bottoms but has also been spotted in areas with grass beds and mud bottoms. It eats shrimp, small crabs, worms, and small fish. From shore, use live bait and a Sabiki rig to catch multiple fish. Usually, anglers eat them. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
49. Yellow Fin Mojarra (Gerres cinereus)
The Yellowfin mojarra is located from Florida thru the Gulf of Mexico in coastal waters and reefs feeding on insects and invertebrates. Like the other mojarra, the Yellowfin has a large, expandable mouth and deep body. You can identify this mojarra species by the 7 faint bars on its side and the lower pelvic yellow fin. Juveniles can be found in big schools, adults generally travel in small groups or individually. Learn more about the Majorra species.
50. Juvenile Silver Jenny Mojarra (Eucinostomus gula)
The Silver Jenny Mojarra come from the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. This mojara has silver scales as well as weirdly shaped mouths that protrude downward when extended. It averages 6 inches and can grow up to 9 inches. They eat any plankton dwelling within the ocean and other kinds of water bacteria. If you want to catch a Silver Jenny, you would normally find them in schools over mud bottoms, mangrove estuaries and other vegetated areas. You can catch silver jenny mojarra by throwing a cast net onto a school of them or by using squid tipped sabikis for their bait. More images of the Majorra species. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
51. Atlantic Threadfin (Polydactylus octonemus)
The Atlantic Threadfin inhabits the shorelines of the Southern Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. You can find Threadfin in coastal areas with sand, mud flats, estuaries and beaches. This fish species typically appears silver shinny white in color with a herringbone pattern on it's flesh and a distinct overbite. Threadfin typically are caught around 9 inches in length with large ones growing up to 12 inches. They tend to feed on mostly crustaceans, fish, and polychaetes making them excellent to eat. The larger individuals can be found off the Texas coast from April to October. The recommended method to catch this fish is with a seine net or a standard hook and line. Learn more about the Atlantic Threadfin on our sister site FloridaGoFishing.com.
52. Ladyfish (Elops saurus)
The ladyfish, also known as skipjack, is a ray-finned coastal fish found in the Western Atlantic from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. They have a very slender body that is silver with a bluish tinge on the top of its back and the tips of their fins can appear bluish. Though they commonly only grow to 24 inches, they can get as long as 36 inches and can reach a weight of up to 5 pounds. The ladyfish spawns in the open sea and frequently lives their life in shallow waters such as bays, grass beds, shallow flats and brackish waters. Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans and smaller fish. Ladyfish can be eaten and are marketed fresh, salted, or frozen. Ladyfish cutup make great bait. You can catch ladyfish using a hook and line or cast over large school.
53. Gafftopsail Catfish (Bagre marinus)
The gafftopsail cat can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic and are very common in Florida. They inhabit beaches, canals, mangroves and sometimes in brackish waters. These silver-grey fish is easily identified by its unique large serrated dorsal fin that stands tall on its back like a sail. The chin has barbels and there is a very long barbell on each side of its mouth. An average gafftopsail is around 12 inches and 1 pound but can grow up to 20 inches weighing in at 2 pounds. They feed throughout the water column on crabs, shrimp and crustaceans. Always were gloves when handling this fish as their fins are poisonous and can cause horrible pain. They also excrete a toxic slim coating from its skin.
54. Hardhead Catfish (Ariopsis felis)
The hardhead catfish can be found along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic from Florida to Cape Cod. They prefer muddy or sandy bottoms and can survive in the open ocean and nearly fresh waters. Their silvery body is elongated and has a forked tail fin with a flattened head. This fish has 6 barbels, 2 long ones just above the rear corners of the mouth and 4 under the chin. They are generally 12 to 16 inches long and weigh 1 to 2 pounds. These opportunistic species forage on a wide range of food, including live animals, crustaceans and algae. Use care when handling one as their dorsal and pectoral spines have serrations and can cause a painful wound made worse by the toxic mucous found on the fins.
55. Juvenile Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) R
The spotted seatrout, also known as speckled seatrout, inhabits the western Atlantic from Maryland through the Gulf of Mexico occupying the upper water column in coastal waters in shallow bays with sand bottoms, estuaries, brackish rivers, and seagrass beds. This species has occurred as far north as Cape Cod. Seatrout have large canine teeth and feed on bait fish, mullet, crabs and shrimp with juveniles feeding on crustaceans. The body of this seatrout is silvery with the top of the back dark gray to green with black spots extending from behind its head to the tail. This species can grow to 39 inches and weigh 17 pounds, but it is most commonly caught at 14 inches. Juvenile spotted sea trout are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
66. Juvenile Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) R
The spanish mackerel is found in the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This Mackerel is found in northern waters during spring and southern waters when the water temperature is below seventy degrees. These fish are found inshore in grass beds, on nearshore reefs and offshore. The back of the bluefish is bluish green with silver sides and bellies and they have a bluish black spot at the front of the dorsal fin. These fish grow up to 36 inches long. Spanish mackerel feed on small fish and invertebrates. Juvenile spanish mackerel are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image Credit: NOAA
57. Juvenile Bonefish (Albula vulpes) R
Juvenile Bonefish are found in the western Atlantic as far north as North Carolina and to south Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit coastal waters in mangrove areas with either a sandy or grassy bottom often in schools. The juvenile bonefish are silver with nine dark crossbands on their backs that disappear as they age. They feed mostly on crustaceans and other small fish.
58. Juvenile Leatherjacket (Oligoplites saurus)
The leatherjack is considered a gamefish but not regulated as it is not targeted because it has oily meat. Leatherjacks are found in inshore waters, inlets, bays and sandy beaches in the western Atlantic from Maine to the northern Gulf. This fish feeds on small fish and shrimp and grows to 10 to 14 inches in length. With a silvery blue body and yellow tail, this species is easy to identify. Juveniles are caught with seines frequently and make great bait. Caution when handling this fish, they have spines at its dorsal and anal fins covered in slime and give a painful sting. Image Credit: Wikipedia
59. Juvenile Blue Runner (Caranx crysos)
The blue runner is found along the eastern coastline from the Gulf of Mexico as far north as Nova Scotia. In deeper waters it can be found along reefs and man made objects. They are also found inshore in shallow waters as juveniles. They are blue green with a silver grey underbelly reaching lengths of two feet and weigh up to 11 pounds but most commonly caught at one foot long. Popular sport fish mostly used for bait for billfish, coba, and amberjack. They can be taken with gill nets or hook. Blue runners are also used by saltwater fly fishermen and can push the limit on a 6# jig. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
60. Juvenile Rainbow Runner (Elagatis bipinnulata)
Rainbow runners are found throughout tropical waters in both coastal and offshore areas in floating debris or in reefs. Named after their striking colours, the upper body is a dark olive blue to green and fades to white underneath. Their elongated body and pointed head and snout have a tapering rear end before a forked tail. The species has 2 light blue stripes on the sides separated by a wider yellowish stripe. The juvenile's feed mostly on zooplankton.
61. Bar Jack (Caranx ruber)
Bar jack are found in the western Atlantic along the east coast and into the southern Gulf of Mexico. They prefer clear, shallow waters and are often found in reefs. This almond shaped silvery fish has greyish-blue tinting and has a distinguishing dark bar that runs down its back and into its caudal fin. Their diet consists of fish and shrimp but they have been known to bottom feed. They are popular for sport fishers and can grow up to 15 inches and reach a weight of 18 pounds. It can be caught on light tackle, are edible but can cause ciguatera poisoning which is found in coral grazers.
62. Juvenile Horse-eye Jack (Caranx latus)
Horse-eye jacks are found over mud and sandy bottoms of shorelines in the western Atlantic and northern Gulf of Mexico. They have a silvery body and a large eye in relation to its' body size. Juveniles may have a broad blackish bars on the body and lack the yellow tail that adults have. This species feast on small fish, shrimp and tiny invertebrates and are often caught to be used as bait.
Juvenile Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
Greater amberjack are found in the Atlantic, Pacific Oceans and Gulf of Mexico and the juveniles are associated with floating objects and typically stay in water less than 30 feet deep. They often form small schools. They are yellow in color and have 5 or 6 dark vertical bars along the sides. Juveniles feed on plankton and crustacean larvae.
63. Juvenile Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) R
The bluefish is found in the Atlantic coast migrating from Maine to Florida in the winter months. They inhabit coastal waters out to the continental shelves. Juveniles can be found in the surf and enter estuaries into brackish waters. Juveniles are found inshore during spring and summer and move offshore with adults in fall and winter. These fish are blue or greenish blue on the back with silver sides and bellies. There is a black spot at the base of the fish's pectoral fin. At the Gulf coast, these fish grow up to under 3 pounds, whereas at the Atlantic coast they grow up to 27 pounds. Bluefish ferociously feed on schools of baitfish and are sometimes cannibalistic. Caution should be made when approaching a feed school of bluefish at the shore as they can bite you. Juvenile bluefish are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image #2 Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
64. Juvenile Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) R
The Sheepshead is found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, mostly in Florida. The juveniles live around seagrass flats and muddy bottoms. Adults primarily live inshore near rocks, jetties, mangroves, oyster beds, and piers. The fish seeks out wherever it is warmest. The fish is silver to green-yellow in color with olive colors on the back. There are five to six dark stripes that are faint in juveniles with adults having very defined black stripes on a white body. The fish can grow up to 29 inches and 22 pounds. Juvenile sheepshead are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because they are a regulated species. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
65. Juvenile Black Seabass (Centropristis striata) R
Juvenile black seabass are commonly caught while bait catching (seining or cast netting near oyster beds) and should be released because they are a regulated species. This seabass is a bottom dweller common to the Mid-Atlantic but can be found from Massachusetts to northern Florida. Smaller than other sea bass, they are known to grow to a length of two feet and up to 5 pounds. This large-mouthed seabass is named for it's dark coloration, though variations can be found with brownish or brown-spotted scales. The dorsal fin has distinctive spines which are both white striped and brown spotted. Another distinctive feature is the bright blue hump on their heads. These develop only during the spawning season and only on dominant males. The hump coloration can spread to the rest of the body, turning it's dusky black or brown scales a bright blue shade. Image Credit: Virginia Institute of Marine Science/Juvenile Fish Trawl Survey
66. Juvenile Striped Seabass (Morone saxatilis) R
Striped seabass or "stripers" are very common in the north Atlantic but can be found in the south Atlantic and northern Florida into the Gulf of Mexico. The young ones are found in streams and estuaries and then enter saltwater before the first winter after they are hatched. This silvery fish has shading to olive-green on the back and white on the belly with 7 or 8 horizontal stripes on each side. Juveniles feed on small shrimp, worms, insects and other crustaceans. Image Credit: Lee Weigt, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
67. Juvenile Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) R
Juvenile gag grouper can be found around structure and grass flats in the South Atlantic and Gulf coast. This grouper is grey to brown in color and quickly turns brown when removed from the water. The gag can reach 50 pounds, 3 feet long but is normally caught at 20 to 30 pounds. Juvenile gag grouper are occasionally caught while bait catching and should be released because they are a regulated species. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
68. Juvenile Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) P
The Goliath Grouper is the largest grouper found in the Atlantic coast. The fish is found in tropical and subtropical waters with juveniles found in the mangroves and mature fish moving to shallow reefs, eventually moving offshore to shallow artificial and natural reefs. Adults are commonly found along overhangs, bridges, piers and shipwrecks. The Goliath has a brown and yellow mottled look with black spots on the head and fins. It has five dark stripes, more commonly on juveniles. This fish can grow to 800 pounds and 8 feet long. It eats slow-moving, bottom feeders. Juvenile goliath grouper are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a highly regulated prohibited species. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
69. Juvenile Scamp Grouper (Mycteroperca phenax) R
The Scamp Grouper lives among the Atlantic coast from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico in nearshore and offshore reefs prefering ledges and rocky bottoms. Juveniles are found around jetties and mangrove areas. The Scamp has a light grey or brown body all around. On the sides of the fish's body there are reddish brown spots in groups like rosettes. Often, the fish undergoes a sex transformation from female to male as it matures. The fish can grow up to 42 inches long. They feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. Juvenile scamp grouper are occasionally caught while bait catching and should be released because they are a regulated species. Image Credit: NOAA
70. Juvenile Mangrove (Gray) Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) R
The mangrove snapper, otherwise known as the gray snapper, are found along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico. Mature mangrove snapper are found in coastal waters near reefs, mangroves and seagrass where juvenile can be found in the same areas and into brackish waters. These fish are dark brown or gray with red to orange spots in lines down the side. Juveniles have a dark stripe from the snout to the gills. These fish grow up to 24 inches long and 10 pounds and feed on crustaceans and smaller fish. Juvenile mangrove snapper are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
71. Juvenile Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) R
A lane snapper is found in South Atlantic coastal waters from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, especially in southern Florida. Adults are in the coastal waters near structures, whereas a juvenile lane snapper would be found in grass beds or shallow reefs. The fish is a reddish-pink on the back fading to a silver colored underside. It has eight to ten yellow stripes on its sides. This fish grows to around one pound and less than fourteen inches long. It feeds on bottom feeders including crustaceans, mollusks and smaller fish. Juvenile lane snapper are commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
72. Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) R
Mutton snapper are found within the Gulf of Mexico and are very abundant off southwest Florida. Mainly a solitary fish, it tends to move offshore into deeper water as it ages; adults are usually found in areas with rock and coral. They are olive in color going from darker to lighter in color from top to bottom. Their distinguishing feature are blue lines below and behind the eyes with a small black spot on both sides. This fish can grow up to 2 ? feet long and weigh 10 to 15 pounds on average. Their diet consists of shrimp, snail, crabs and small fish. Main methods of capture are rod and reels, nets and spearfishing. Image Credit: MCSO-Florida Keys on Facebook
73. Juvenile Schoolmaster Snapper (Lutjanus apodus) R
The Schoolmaster snapper live in small schools in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico north to the Carolinas on coral reefs. Juveniles can be found over sandy areas and in mangroves, some in seagrass beds. As they grow, they will spend their adult life on coral reefs. Adults range from 12 to 14 inches weighing up to 2 pounds. This juvenile species is commonly caught while bait catching and should be released because it is a regulated species. Image Credit: The Division of Fishes of the Smithsonian's National Museum Natural History via Flickr
74. Juvenile Blackfin Snapper (Lutjanus buccanella) R
Blackfin snapper are found in the western Atlantic and near shorelines in the Gulf of Mexico. The young inhabit rocky outcroppings near reefs in shallow waters and are often in schools. They are generally red in color fading to silver below and have yellowish caudal, anal and pelvic fins. There is a distinct dark comma-shaped mark at the base of the pectoral fins earning them the name blackfin. The young feed on shrimp, worms and other small invertebrates.
75. Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) R
Yellowtail are located in the coastal waters of the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico near reefs, usually above the bottom in small schools. They have a yellow band that starts at the snout and extends to the forked yellow tail. It is a bluish olive color on its sides with yellow spots above the yellow band. This species usually only reach 16 inches in length and weigh up to 5 pounds. They feed on shrimp, crab and smaller fish and are typically caught with a rod and reel with the use of chum.
76. Tomtate Grunt (Haemulon aurolineatum)
Tomtate are found in the western Atlantic and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, more so on the eastern coast of Florida. They inhabit inshore seagrass beds, sand flats and shallow reefs. This fish is silvery white with a lateral yellow stripe from the eye to a large round black spot at the base of the caudal fin. The inside of the mouth is red. This species seldom grows in excess of 8 inches and weighs 1 pound. By grinding their teeth they produce audible grunting. They feed on shrimp and crabs on the bottom floor and are a popular bait fish. Image #1 Credit: NOAA SEFSC
77. French Grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum)
French grunts are found in the western Atlantic and the northern Gulf of Mexico. They occur in large schools over rocky coral reefs or under ledges. This species is white to bluish or yellowish with bright yellow to orange stripes. Yellow spots are on the bottom of the head and the fins are yellow. The inside of the mouth is red. This fish usually only grows to about 7 inches in length. They feed on small crustaceans and are good for bait and tend to attract grouper.
78. Smallmouth Grunt (Haemulon chrysargyreum)
Smallmouth grunts are found in the western Atlantic in southern Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. These fish are observed in coral reefs in schools during the day but venture into the open waters at night to feed. They are bluish silver and have 6 straight wide bronze-yellow stripes on each side and a short snout. The fins are bright yellow and the caudal fin is forked. They generally only reach a maximum of 9 inches. Diet consists of shrimps, zooplankton and small crustaceans and are used commonly for bait.
79. Cottonwick Grunt (Haemulon melanurum)
Cottonwick grunts are found in southern Florida in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Mostly seen in clear water areas, on reefs and hard bottoms. It is a silvery grey fish with a black strip that widens to the rear along the upper back and lower part of the dorsal fin joining the black V tail fin. Adults have yellow narrow stripes on the sides and usually only grow to about 9 inches. This species feeds on shrimp, zooplankton and small crustaceans and are used for bait.
80. Atlantic Flying Fish (Cheilopogon melanurus)
Flying fish are found in the Atlantic waters. They have streamlined torpedo shaped bodies that help them gather speed underwater to breach the surface and use their large wing like pectoral fins that get them airborne and glide. A unique ability that helps them escape predators. These fish are generally greenish to bluish on top with white and silver below. Their tail is forked and uneven with the top lobe being shorter than the bottom lobe. They mostly feed on zooplankton and can grow up to 18 inches but are usually 7 to 12 inches on average. The species is a popular bait for pelagic species fishing. Image #2 Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
81. Juvenile Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
Nurse sharks are found in coastal tropical and sub-tropical waters in the Atlantic from Florida to Rhode Island and also very common in the shallow waters in south Florida. Juveniles are generally found around shallow coral reefs, grass flats and in mangroves often in groups. They are yellowish-tan to dark brown and have small black spots. Their mouth is near the tip of their snout with 2 barbels on either side. The first, second and rear fins are very rounded. The second dorsal fin is slightly smaller than the first. The most distinguishing characteristic is that they have very small eyes. Size at birth is approximately 11-12 inches and feed on crabs and small fish. Nurse sharks are not generally aggressive towards humans but some attacks have been reported. Image Credit: NOAA
82. Juvenile Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewin)
Scalloped hammerhead sharks are found globally in warm coastal waters. In the western Atlantic, they can be found in New Jersey to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. Juveniles spend most of the day closer inshore and move offshore at night to hunt. They have a dark pectoral fin along with dark lower caudal and second dorsal fin tips. They can be tan when born and darken in color as they age. The scalloped hammerhead is differentiated from other hammerheads by an indentation located in the center of its laterally expanded head. Their broad arched mouth and the rear margin of the head are swept backward giving them a "scalloped" head. This species feed on smaller fish and shrimp. Image Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
83. Atlantic Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
Atlantic Blacktip sharks are found year round in the Gulf of Mexico and are common in the Atlantic from Virginia through Florida but have been known to travel as far north as Massachusetts. This species inhabits both inshore and offshore waters. They are grayish to brown with white on their belly's and Z shaped lines on their sides. Their pointy fins have black tips except for the anal fin that is white. The maximum length is about 7 feet but are generally around 5 feet weighing up to 40lbs. They feed on small schools of fish but will also feed on crabs, lobster and rays. They can often be seen breaching out of the water while feeding. Since they do dwell in shallow waters they are frequently encountered by humans and have been known to bite. Image Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
84. Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
Spiny Dogfish are a migratory species that are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Cape Cod to North Carolina. These dogfish are found inshore and offshore over the continental shelf in deep waters. The slender fish has a pointed snout with large eyes and has spines in front of its 2 dorsal fins. They are brown in color that fades to white at their belly and has rows of white spots down its upper body. They get their name Dogfish they have been observed chasing smaller fish in dog-like packs. This fish feeds on smaller fish as well as squid, jellyfish and crabs. They rarely grow longer than 45 inches and do not pose a threat to humans unless not handled carefully as the spines in the front can result in a wound. Image Credit: NOAA
85. Spotted Hake (Urophycis regia)
Spotted hake can be found from Cape Code to the Gulf of Mexico living on the bottom in nearshore waters; juveniles inhabit estuaries. This species uses its chin barbels (whiskers) to find food on the bottom but they also feed on crabs, shrimp, small fishes and squids. This species is know to bury its self in the mud or sand. Spotted hake are brown colored, darker at the top with white spots that run the lateral line the length of its body which can reach 16 inches. Juvenile spotted hake are excellent bait for striped bass. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
86. Sand Perch (Diplectrum formosum)
The Sand Perch is a type of sea bass that lives in bays, shorelines and reefs in the Western Atlantic including areas in North Carolina, the Gulf of Mexico, and the coast of Florida. These small fish are brown on top, with white underneath. They contain vertical dark brown stripes. The fish contain one long stripe ending with a dark spot by the tail, and blue lines going horizontally. The body can grow up to nine inches long. The fish primarily feed on crustaceans and smaller fish. The sand perch is great bait for groupers, snappers, tarpon and sharks. Having abundant flesh this perch is great eaten by pan frying. They are best caught by hook and bait using squid and shrimp. Image Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
-seagrant.jpg)
87. Sailfin Molly (female) (Poecilia latipinna)
The Sailfin Molly is found in Atlantic coastal lowlands in fresh and brackish salt water in North Carolina, Florida, Texas and the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. The Molly inhabits marshes, lowlands, swamps and estuaries. Females are greyish brown with spots close together resembling stripes. The fish grows from 1 to 2 inches. They consume mainly algae and plants, though the fish will also eat invertebrates and larvae. These fish are prey for water insects, larger fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This fish can be caught via a fine net by hand from shore, primarily in brackish lowlands and waterways. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
-seagrant.jpg)
88. Sailfin Molly (male) (Poecilia latipinna)
The Sailfin Molly is found in Atlantic coastal lowlands in fresh and brackish salt water in North Carolina, Florida, Texas and the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. The Molly inhabits marshes, lowlands, swamps and estuaries. Males are brightly colored with a distinct sail on top of their bodies and spots close together resembling stripes. The fish grows from 1 to 2 inches. They consume mainly algae and plants, though the fish will also eat invertebrates and larvae. The fish are prey for water insects, larger fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This fish can be caught via a fine net by hand from shore, primarily in brackish lowlands and waterways. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
89. Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)
Mummichog are found along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Maine. They live in saltwater marshes and estuaries but can adapt to different water temperatures and salinity changes. This fish is generally olive-brown and have vertical bars on the sides that are thin and silvery. Their dorsal fin is mottled and a small eyespot may be present near the rear. Females tend to be lighter in color. The mouth is upturned and the lower jaw protrudes when closed. Usually they are around 3-4 inches in length and are caught with a net and used for bait. They feed primarily at the surface of the water normally at high tide on a large variety of organisms such as phytoplankton, fish eggs, mollusks and vegetation. Image Credit: Lee Weigt, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
90. Eastern Mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea)
Eastern mudminnows are found in freshwater backwater creeks, small rivers, lakes and swamps in Florida to New York. They are green or dark brown with a long cylindrical body and rounded anal fin that reach only 2-4 inches long. This species feeds on insect larvae, worms and mollusks.Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
91. Saltmarsh Topminnow (Fundulus jenkinsi)
Saltmarsh topminnows are an endangered fish that is found along the northern Gulf of Mexico from Texas to northern western Florida. They live in marshes during high tides and retreat into small tidal creeks during low tide. This small fish is approximately 2 inches and has black spots on the midside of the body, often in 2 rows. They are usually a light yellowish brown. There is no diet information on them but they most likely eat small invertebrates. Image Credit: FWC on Facebook
92. Sheephead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)
The Sheephead Minnow is found primarily in Atlantic freshwater near brackish inlets that are shallow from Massachusetts to northeastern Mexico. This fish is olive green in color with a pale yellow belly. The males do turn blue in spring. The fish is normally less than one and a half inches long, with a thick body. The Sheephead Minnow is an omnivore, feeding on algae, micro-crustaceans, and larvae. These fish are excellent bait and are utilized as forage fish. From shore, these fish can be caught in fresh, brackish waters with a fine-meshed net by hand. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
93. Goldspotted Killifish (Floridichthys carpio)
The Goldspotted Killifish is a type of killifish found in the Western Central Atlantic from southeastern Florida to the gulf of Mexico. The color on this fish is very changeable. Most of them are dark grey in color with irregular dark stripes interjected with silver to yellow spacing. The fish grow to 3 inches in length. This fish can be found in brackish waters, but is mostly seen in marine creeks and tidal flats. This fish can be caught in brackish water ways via thin nets with hand. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
94. Rainwater Killifish (Lucania parva)
The Tidewater Killifish is a type of killifish found on the Atlantic shore. More specifically, this fish is found throughout Florida. The fish is around one inch in length. It is brown and gray in color all around with darker spots on the scales. This type of killifish is used especially for bait. This fish is best found in brackish waterways and lowlands, specifically in estuaries in and around Florida. It is best caught via a small hand net or seine net in these brackish waterways by hand casting. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
95. Longnose Killifish (Fundulus similis)
The Longnose Killifish is a type of killifish found in the Western Atlantic primarily in southeastern Florida. The Longnose is olive in color with many dark stripes vertical on the body. The fish grows up to four and a half inches in length. This fish is a common prey for other fish and is excellent bait. The fish is primarily found in brackish waterways, inhabiting mangroves or tidal flats. There is little algae or plants where the fish inhabits. From the shore, the fish can be caught utilizing fine nets by hand. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
96. Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis)
The Gulf Killifish can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Gulf of Mexico. This species is caught by seine nets or hand nets in brackish waterways but is normally a freshwater fish. The Killifish has a blunt nose with a short snout with coloration from gray to olive on their back to pale or yellowish coloration on the stomach with pearly spots along the backbone. The Gulf Killifish can reach lengths of 7 inches. This species can be found in habitats such as lowland, coastal marshes, lagoons, rivers, and streams. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
97. White Shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) R
The white shrimp, aka Northern white shrimp, are found in warm coastal waters from New York through the Gulf of Mexico, with juveniles living in estuaries into brackish waters with vegetation, also occurring in oyster beds, and adults are found both inshore and offshore. This species feeds on seagrass, detritus and small crustaceans, growing to a total length of 7 inches, and its life span is only 2 year. The body of the white shrimp is light gray color with a green coloration on the tail and a yellow band on part of the abdomen. This shrimp the longest antennae than other shrimp - the antennae is 3 times the length of the body! White shrimp are one of the most popular bait for fisherman and can be used to catch most species of fish. Catch small white shrimp for bait on outgoing tides using landing nets, cast nets, push nets, beach seines or large long handled shrimp nets. Image Credit: NOAA
98. Brown Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) R
Brown shrimp, aka Northern brown shrimp, inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas. Like the white shrimp, the brown shrimp juveniles can be found in shallow vegetated areas into brackish water and the adults are found offshore. This species lives 2 years, grows to about 9 inches and is abundant along the shorelines of the South Atlantic and Northern Gulf of Mexico. You can identify brown shrimp by the brown to reddish color on the ends of their tail fins. Catch brown shrimp on outgoing tides, especially at dusk, using landing nets, cast nets, push nets, beach seines or large long handled shrimp nets. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
99. Pink Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum) R
Pink shrimp, aka Northern pink shrimp, can be found in coastal waters of the Western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Texas but are most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico. Juveniles are found in seagrass beds and estuaries; adult pink shrimp prefer offshore waters. The pink shrimp is the largest shrimp species in the Gulf growing to 11 inches. All pink shrimp start their lives as males and later develop into females. This species is also different from others having a courtship ritual before mating. The sweet meat of this shrimp that turns pink once cooks is a very popular commercial product. You can catch small pink shrimp during outgoing tides in coastal areas feeding at dusk and at night. Image Credit: NOAA/Teacher at Sea
100. Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni)
Peppermint shrimp are found in the Atlantic from Florida to Long Island and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas in reefs. This small shrimp reaches to 2.5 inches in length and has bright red stripes on its clear body which resemble peppermint candies. They are scavengers that feed on both plants and small animals. These shrimp are popular for aquariums as they are active parasite cleaners. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
101. Daggerblade Grass Shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)
Daggerblade grass shrimp are found along the Atlantic & Gulf coasts from Massachusetts to Texas. They live in salt marshes and streams including tidal creeks and ditches with low salinity. They are nearly transparent in color with 3 pairs of legs. They reach a length of around 2 inches and live for only one year. This species feed on worms, algae and tiny crustaceans. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
102. Asian Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Although native to Asia waters, Asian tiger shrimp can be found along the southeast coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and also along the Gulf coasts of Florida to Texas. Juveniles occupy shallow coastal estuaries and mangrove areas while adults move offshore. They are brown in color and have a distinctive black and white banding across their back and on their tail. This large shrimp feed on many small crabs and other shrimp and can reach a length of 13 inches. They are considered invasive due to their size and the competition for food and habitat having an impact on local shrimps. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida NW District
103. Brown Rock Shrimp (Sicyonia brevirostris) R
Brown rock shrimp inhabit the Western Atlantic from Virginia south thru the Gulf of Mexico. This shrimp species has a very hard shell hence the name "rock" shrimp. Juveniles of this shrimp species can be found in jetties, tidal creeks and beaches and adults inhabit both nearshore and offshore waters. Growing to 6 inches as adults in deep water environments, the shallow water inhabitants are usually only 2 inches. This species is fished commercially and a permit is required to harvest in federal waters. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
104. Big-clawed Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus heterochaelis)
Big-clawed snapping shrimp are native to the western Atlantic ocean from North Carolina to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. They normally reside in seabeds or reefs where they can hide to ambush prey. This species is dark blueish to gray and have orange on the top of their heads and at the tip of the tail. They have 2 claws one being disproportionally large and the other is of normal size. The adults can reach a length of 2 inches but most are smaller than this. They feed on worms and small crustaceans and fish. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
105. Adult Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) R
Adult stone crab can be found as far north as Connecticut and south through the Gulf of Mexico. They can be found inshore near jetties and rocky areas, and in salt marshes feeding on oysters, worms and crustaceans. The adult stone crabs have exoskeletons and are brown and black speckled shell that is oval and smooth. They have 4 pairs of walking legs and 1 pair of large claws up front that can make-up 60% of the animal's body weight. This highly prized species is regulated and should be released if caught.
106. Juvenile Stone Crab R
Also known as the Florida stone crab, this crab can be found as far north as Connecticut and south through the Gulf of Mexico. The stone crab can be found inshore near jetties and rocky areas, and in salt marshes feeding on oysters, worms, crustaceans and occasionally seagrass. The young are a solid dark color where the adults develop a white shell with orange and black accents on their claws, one of which is super large compared to the other. The stone crab is the favorite food of grouper, cobia, sea turtles and octopuses. This highly prized species is regulated and should be released if caught. Image #1 Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech; Image #2 Sea Grant via Facebook
107. Adult Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) R
Blue crabs are found from Cape Cod through the Gulf of Mexico in coastal waters and estuaries. They are strong swimmers due to their fifth pair of legs that look like paddles. They are blue in color but have an olive colored shell. The claws on the adult female blue crab are red. Blue crabs are scavengers and will eat plants in addition to clams, oysters, mussels and other crabs. They are bottom dwellers and are commonly caught with traps but can be caught with a piece of chicken or fish tied to a string near a pier or dock.
108. Juvenile Blue Crab R
Blue crabs are found from Cape Cod through the Gulf of Mexico in coastal waters and estuaries, reaching maturity in 1 year in warmer southern waters to 18 months in cooler northern Atlantic waters. The blue crab's shell can grow as large as 7 inches wide by 4 inches long and develops its blue body coloring as it grows with mature females having red tips on their pinchers where some say they paint their nails! The blue crab eats shellfish like mussels, clams and oysters and sometimes vegetable matter. This crab is a favorite food of red drum, Atlantic croaker, birds, turtles and humans. Blue crab are bottom dwellers and are commonly caught with traps, juveniles in the surf while using a seine and dip netting. A fun way to catch blue crabs is with a piece of chicken or fish head tied to a string thrown into the water near a pier, dock or jetty. The crab with grab on to the bait and you pull it up to just below the water surface then scoop it with a net. Image Credit:#1 Juvenile blue crab - Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
109. Lesser (False) Blue Crab (Callinectus similis)
Lesser blue crabs, also called false blue crabs due to their coloring, are found in estuaries of the eastern coasts of Cape Cod through southern coast of Florida are commonly found with Blue Crabs. They can be hard to differentiate from a Blue Crab but the Lesser Blue Crab has a smoother shell and is less blue in color, more on the greenish side. They have 2 oval shaped rear legs that allow them to swim in several directions. Their diet consists of fish and crabs. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
110. Indo-Pacific Swimming Crab (Charybdis helleri)
Indo-Pacific swimming crabs are native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans but have been found on the Atlantic coasts of Florida to South and North Carolina. They live in soft areas like sand or mud with stones around. They tend to hide in rocks, corals and mangrove roots. This species is hexagonal shape and covered in soft hairs. The claws are large but unequal in size. Their shell is mottled brownish-grey in color. These carnivores eat whatever food is available to them. Image Credit: USGS
111. Blotched Swimming Crab (Portunus spinimanus)
Blotched swimming crabs are found in the Gulf of Mexico along Florida and also in the Atlantic from New Jersey to South Florida. They reside in coral reefs or coarse sand. Their shells are broad in a dark mottled brown color with white underneath. The claws are long with some being orange. They are reported to be mainly carnivorous. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
112. Iridescent Swimming (Pass) Crab (Portunus gibbesii)
The iridescent swimming crab is commonly called pass crab by anglers. This species of crab is found on muddy and sandy bottoms from Massachusetts all the way through the Gulf of Mexico in bays and estuaries. This crab has a purplish coloring with long slender front claws and grows to a 3 inch carapace in width. This olive green to brown crab is yellowish to white underneath and has a white spot on each side of the lower half of their shell. Their legs are purple or brown with a purple tint. They are nicknamed pass crabs as they can be seen floating during the summer on outgoing tides through passes such as Boca Grande Pass on the west coast. Catch pass crabs on strong outgoing tides using a long handled crab net or large hand net by scooping them out of the water as they swim by. Swimming crabs make excellent bait for tarpon, redfish, and snook. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
113. Speckled Swimming Crab (Arenaeus cribrarius)
Speckled swimming crabs can be found from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico in the surf zone on beaches. This swimming crab has a light brown or light maroon color carapace with small white or yellow spots. You could find them sitting in the sand in shallow water; just grab them by hand or use a hand net and put them in a bucket. The will try to bury themselves when you get close, stop them from going into the sand by scooping into the sand behind them. Having gloves on will prevent you from getting pinched. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
114. Yellow Box Crab aka Shamefaced (Calappa sulcata)
Yellow box crabs, also called Shamefaced crab, are found in the Atlantic in the Carolinas through the Gulf of Mexico over muddy and sandy areas or buried in the sand of coastal reefs. They are named the box crab because of the way the can tuck their legs into their bodies giving the appearance of a box or hiding their face in shame. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
115. Calico Box Crab (Hepatus epheliticus)
Calico box crabs are found in the Gulf of Mexico in muddy or sandy bottoms. They grow to be 2 to 4 inches with a gray to pale yellow shell with bright colored red patches. Their claws are held close to their shells like other box crabs. Image Credit: NOAA / NEFSC
116. Flame Box Crab (Calappa flammea)
Flame box crabs are found in the Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit sand flats and areas of mixed rubble and grass beds and often buries itself in the sand. The shell is rounded in front in a tan to greyish color with wavy reddish brown lines. The front claw arms fold neatly across the front like most box crabs. They draw water through its gills and can be seen spouting out of its head. They feed on snails and other crabs. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
117. Striped Porcelian Crab (Porcellana sigsbeiana)
Striped Porcelian crab are found in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and are commonly found under rocks. They tend to be small in size, rarely exceeding 2 inches, with flat round bodies that make it easier to hide and live under rocks. They are tan in color with red or purplish stripes. These crabs are fragile and will shed their limbs to escape predators. They have 2 large front claws that are used to filter the water for any passing food. Image Credit: NOAA / NEFSC
118. Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata)
Also known as the sand crab, Atlantic Ghost crabs are found in the Atlantic as far as Rhode Island to Florida along the coast. They dig burrows in the same where they seek shelter from the sun. Their shell is semi translucent that can measure up to 3 inches. Ghost crabs can change their coloring to match their surroundings which helps them hide from predators. This species has 4 pairs of walking legs and 1 pair of white claws. They feed on insects, clams and small eggs of turtles.
119. Mud Flat Fiddler Crab (Uca rapax)
Mud flat fiddler crabs are found in the Florida Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas in soft sand or mudflats. They can occur in large numbers with each individual having its own burrow. They go into the burrows during high tide and during low tide the burrow is a source of water for keeping their gills wet and is an escape from predators. This species has a square shell and are usually only grow to be 23mm. Males have a single enlarged claw and the females have 2 small feeding claws. They feed on algae, bacteria and decaying or dead plant and animal matter.
120. Red-jointed Fiddler Crab (Uca minax)
This fiddler crab, known as red-jointed fiddler crab, is one of hundreds of species of fiddlers known to inhabit the USA. Found in great numbers in tidal streams with low salinity on muddy or sandy beaches, from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico. Each crab with dig a burrow for itself so when fiddlers are present you will see hundreds of holes in the sand when tides recede. Males have one large front claw and females have 2 equal sized front claws. An interesting fact about this species is they release their eggs into the ocean where the larvae develops then once fully grown they return to low-salinity environments. The red-jointed fiddler eats algae, decaying vegetation and cordgrass. Fiddler crabs are great bait for pompano, redfish, black drum, tarpon and sheepshead. Catch fiddler crabs on land by using a hand net or you can dig them using a sand flea rake. Image Credit: National Park Service
Fiddler Crab (Uca Pugnax)
121. Portly Spider Crab aka Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata)
Portly Spider crabs are found in estuarian habitats from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico. This tan colored crab has a triangle shaped shell that measures about 4 inches and is bumpy. It is often covered in algae or debris to help hide them from predators since they are slow moving. Their claws are white and narrow and not very strong. This species feeds on debris left behind by other animals and not considered edible by people. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
122. Smooth Mud Crab (Hexapanopeus angustifrons)
Smooth Mud crabs are found in the Gulf of Mexico to Massachusetts in shallow coastal waters with sandy bottoms. Their smooth shell color varies from a mottled dark green to a dark brown with a 2cm width. Their diet is mostly mollusks and crustaceans. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
123. Purple Marsh Crab (Sesarma reticulatum)
Purple Marsh crabs are found in the Gulf of Mexico to Massachusetts that lives in salt marshes and brackish waters. They are a small crab that vary in color from brown to a dark olive and has 3 walking legs. They are distinguished from other crabs as they have a second tooth around the orbit of each eye. They feed on plants, cordgrass and occasionally on fiddler crabs. Image Credit: Wikimedia
124. Juvenile Horseshoe Crab (Limulidae)
Considered living fossils and are not really crabs at all. Horseshoe Crabs are found in the Atlantic Ocean along the North American Coastline and in the East & Gulf coasts. Juveniles live offshore on the sandy ocean floor of tidal flats. They have a hard exoskeleton in a light tan color and is in the shape of a shoe on a horse's foot with a spiked tail. They have 10 legs that they use for walking and crushing food. Females grow to be 19 inches while the males grow to approximately 15 inches (head to tail). The juvenile horseshoe crab look a lot like adults except they have a smaller tail. This species feed on various invertebrates. They are harmless to humans but you can harm them by picking them up by its tail. Instead gently pick it up by both sides of the shell using both hands. Learn more about the Horseshoe Crab. Image Credit:#1 Juvenile blue crab - Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
125. Atlantic Sand Crab aka Sand Flea (Emerita talpoida)
Sand crabs, also called mole crabs or sand fleas, live submerged in the sand in the intertidal zone of fine sandy beaches. This species can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean as far north as Massachusetts. Sand crabs are small with a hard exterior shells, the males average 3/4 inch long and females up to 2 inches long,. They feed on plankton and move along the beach as the tide changes, digging themselves new holes as they move around. Sand crabs enter their holes backwards sending sand up and out of the holes, creating small mounds on the beach. Sand crabs have no pinchers and only move in one direction, backwards. Sand crabs are excellent bait for fishing - sheepshead, pompano, red drum and kingfish especially love them. To gather them, use a special metal sand flea rake to dig them up from the sand. Sand crabs are also edible but due to their small size, not eaten often. Visit FishingDestinGuide for an excellent article on sand fleas.
126. Puerto Rican Sand Crab (Emerita portoricensis)
The Puerto Rican sand crab is found in the northern Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Florida Atlantic coast and Puerto Rico. This species has all the same charactoristics as the Atlantic Sand Crab. Image Credit: Invertebase.org Public Domain
127. Sand Crab (Lepidopa websteri)
Lepidopa websteri is another uncommon species, actually rare, is similar to the above Lepidopa species except its 2 antenna are extremely long, several times the length of the body. Most specimens of this species have been found in South Padre Island, Texas but have been documented in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic north to Chesapeake Bay, VA. Image Credit: Robert Aguilar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Sand Crab (Lepidopa benedicti)
This species of sand crab is found in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and is not common. The largest populations on record are in South Padre Island, Texas where they are abundant in the summer months. You can identify it by it's square shaped shell and long antenna.
128. Inshore Lizardfish (Synodus foetens)
The inshore lizardfish can be found in estuaries, bays and beaches from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. With an elongated body that can reach 18 inches in length, this brown to greenish colored species is easy to identify with its large mouth with sharp teeth and the 8 dark diamond-shaped markings extending its body length. As a bottom dweller, the inshore lizardfish will bury itself in the substrate and wait to ambush its prey of shrimps, crabs and small fish. This species is consider by angers to be a nuisance because it readily steals bait when bottom fishing. Image #1 Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Briah Fluech
129. Gulf Pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli)
The Gulf pipefish can be found from northern Georgia south through the Gulf of Mexico in estuaries, brackish waterways and into freshwater. This pipefish feeds on small copepods, isopods, amphipods and small crustaceans. Adults have a long, slender body that averages about 6 inches with vertical bars along it's sides that appear as rings. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
130. Juvenile American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)
Juvenile American eels are born in the Sargasso Sea, they drift inland along the Atlantic coastline into stream, rivers and lakes. Young eels stay in freshwater until they reach adulthood. Juveniles are known as glass eels due to their transparency color and have a long, slender snakelike body. It has a long jaw and pointed snout. Often misidentified as sea snakes they can be distinguished by the continuous fin from the middle of the back around the tail. They feed on crustaceans and small insects at night. These fish will bite on most bait at night and are a prized food in Asian cuisine. Image Credit: USFWS via Flickr
131. Atlantic Brief Squid (Lolliguncula brevis)
Atlantic Brief Squid are found in the warm shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean as far north as Delaware and in the Gulf of Mexico. They usually live in bays and estuaries with low salinity water. They are a small mollusk with a soft body and arm like tentacles and grows to 5 inches in length. Its elongated reddish brown body is covered in dark spots that will contract and expand to change its color. This squid moves through the open waters by ejecting jets of water to propel itself. They also may emit an ink cloud when threated. Diet consists of small crustaceans and fishes and are often used as bait. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
132. Longfin Squid (Loligo pealei)
)- Longfin Squid are found primarily in the northwest Atlantic Ocean in Cape Hatteras, NC in the continental slopewaters as deep as 1,300 ft but have also been seen in the Gulf of Mexico. Longfin squid have an internal shell called a pen. They have long fins, a slender, cylindrical pointed end and large eyes. This squid is reddish brown to pink and are mottled with brown or purple. They grow fast, up to 1.6 ft mantle length (large part of the squid in front of the head) and have a short life span, 6-8 months old. They are aggressive hunters and will consume large fish, crab and squid. They are utilized for food and for bait. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
133. Slender Inshore Squid (Doryteuthis pleii)
Slender Inshore Squid are found in the western Atlantic Ocean as far north as New Jersey and also in the Gulf of Mexico in continental shelf waters. This squid has a long, slender, cylindrical body with short arms and are usually a reddish orange color. Males can grow to approx 12 inches in length. They feed on several small species of fish and crustaceans. Image Credit: NOAA via Wikipedia
134. Juvenile Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
The common octopus can be found all over the world in coastal waters preferring rocky structure which provides them cover and a home. This solitary and territorial species is very adaptive to its environment and can conceal itself by changing their color and posture making them undetectable. Octopus occasionally swim and that is when they can get caught in a seine net while bait catching. Image Credit: NOAA
135. Sooty Sea Hare (Aplysia brasiliana)
The Sooty sea hare, sometimes called slug, is the most commonly encountered of the sea hare species in Florida. This graceful, surface swimming slug is usually encountered near the shore around sea grass beds, beaches, seawalls or near dock pilings feeding on algae. This species is actually a soft-bodied mollusk (they have a small shell inside their body) that can reach 8 to 10 inches. They have a sack that contains a purple ink-like substance that is excreted as a cloud when in danger, confusing predators with a smoke cloud. The ink is not poisonous but does contain a toxin that can harm small fish if concentrated. Sea hare vary in color based on the color of the algae they consume. Learn more about the Sea Hare
136. Blackcheek Tonguefish (Symphurus plagiusa)
Blackcheek Tonguefish are found in the western Atlantic from New York south through the Florida Keys and throughout the Gulf of Mexico in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. They are a flatfish, have both eyes on the left side of their bodies and do not have any side or rear fins. Their bodies are brown in color with faint vertical stripes and a fin that is continuous around the body. This fish is a bottom feeder and will eat plant detritus along with small crabs and shrimps. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
137. Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus)
The hogchoker flatfish inhabits coastal waters in estuaries and into brackish waters buried in the substrate from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico. This small member of the sole family is dark brown with gray spots and grows to around 6 inches. Hogchoker is so names because farmers tried to feed them to their hogs who would choke on the fish's bony body. Image Credit: NOAA
138. Juvenile Lined Sole (Achirus lineatus)
Juvenile Lined Sole are found in the western Atlantic in Florida to South Carolina and in the Gulf of Mexico inshore on soft sandy bottoms. They are flat, oval with small eyes on the right side. This species is dark grey or brownish with dark lines across the top and dark spots. They feed on worms, crustaceans and small fish. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
139. Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albiguttata) R
Gulf Flounder are found in the Atlantic from Florida to North Carolina and across the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas. Typically they live in shallow waters nearshore with soft bottoms. They are a flatfish and spend most of their time swimming along the bottom on their left side. They have prominent eyes and a large mouth with large teeth. Gulf flounders are a light olive brown to dark brown color with spots of darker or lighter color. They are white on their underside. The Gulf flounders are distinguished by 3 large dark spots in a triangle pattern. Their diet consists of shrimp and fish and often feed at night. They are a popular regulated sportfish, caught with a rod and reel but also caught by gigging. Broiled flounder is a classic seafood dish of the Gulf coast. Image Credits: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
140. Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) R
Summer Flounder are found in the Atlantic from Cape Cod to the east coast of Florida inshore and offshore. They are a left eyed flatfish that is white below and brown or gray above in color. They can be distinguished by having at least 5 dark spots on top in an X pattern. They can grow up to 3 feet in length and will feed on whatever is available but prefer fish and crustaceans. Summer flounder are one of the most popular recreation fish on the Atlantic coast, caught with rod and reel or gigging. Regulations for this fish are adjusted annually.
141. Juvenile Juvenile Southern Flounder (Paralicthys lethostigma) R
Juvenile Southern Flounder are found in North Carolina across the Gulf of Mexico and southward into Mexico. Juveniles stay in estuaries until they are ready to spawn which is around 2 years of age. They are a left eyed flatfish that are dark brown with blotches. They feed on zooplankton and small invertebrates. Image Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
142. Windowpane Flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus) R
Windowpane Flounder are found in the Western Atlantic from Canada to northern Florida in shallow waters. They are a left-eyed species with a wide, thin round body. The top side of this fish is light greenish brown and covered in small dark brown and white spots. They feed off of shrimp, crabs and small fish and typically grow to 10-12 inches in length. This flounder can be caught bottom fishing with bait but they are usually too thin to bother eating. Image Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
143. Clearnose Skate (Raja eglanteria)
Clearnose Skates are found in western Atlantic from Massachusetts to south Florida. It is also common in the eastern part of the Gulf. They migrate inshore and out to deeper water on colder months. This species is diamond-shaped in a brown to gray color with darker spots. It's distinguishing feature is the translucent areas on either side of its snout. They feed on shrimp, crabs and small fish and may grow to a width of 19 inches and a length of 30 inches. The danger to humans is extremely low. Image Credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea
144. Juvenile Bullnose Ray (Myliobatis freminvillei)
The Bullnose ray can be found in the western Atlantic from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico in shallow estuaries swimming mid water and close to the bottom searching for prey of crustaceans and mollusks. The Bullnose ray can reach between 24 to 39 inches wide with a chocolate brown to grey color on top and white underneath. This ray is harmless but use caution when handling because there is a sharp spine in their tail. This ray is a favorite food of sharks and mammals. Image Credit: NOAA
145. Atlantic Stingray (Dasyatis sabina)
The Atlantic stingray is a small coastal stingray species that only reaches a body diameter of 2 feet. Found from Chesapeake Bay south through the Gulf of Mexico along beaches and in brackish to freshwater environments. This species is a yellowish-brown color with a long barbed tail that can give a nasty sting. They are commonly found buried in the sand at the beach, especially in warmer southern waters where warning signs on the beach tell you to shuffle your feet to avoid a nasty sting. When this stingray is feeding it will skim along the surface of the sand in search of crustaceans, worms, bivalves and anemones. Atlantic stingray are a favorite meal for sharks. Learn more about the Atlantic Stingray Image Credit: NOAA via Wikimedia
146. Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii)
Lesser Electric Rays are found along the beaches and coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. These small rays have a round pectoral disc with a stout tail that has 2 small fins. They are dark brown with irregular rings on top and mature at a length of 33 inches. They feed on juvenile snake eels, small bony fish and crustaceans. These electric Rays can generate a strong electric discharge that is used to stun their prey and use against predators. Humans should take care to avoid them to prevent getting shocked. Image Credit: NOAA via Wikipedia
147. Yellow Stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis)
Yellow Stingrays are found in the western Atlantic from North Carolina to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. These rays reside in shallow coastal waters, often buried in the sand. They have a round pectoral disc and rounded pelvic fins with a venomous spine near their tail fin. This species vary widely in color and patterns and can grow to 26 inches in length. They feed on small fish, shrimp and crab. Stingrays only use their tail spine as a form of defense but stepping on one is very common since they are difficult to see buried in the sand. This is how most humans are injured by them and it can be quite painful. Image Credit: Smithsonian Institution via Wikipedia
148. Juvenile Spiny Butterfly Ray (Gymnura altavela)
Juvenile Spiny Butterfly Rays are found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida. They prefer brackish and coastal waters with sandy bottoms. These rays are flat diamond-shaped and are much wider than they are long. They have a shot tail with a serrated spine at the base. The coloring is generally dark brown and the juveniles have pale crossbars on the tail. This species feed on fish, crustaceans and plankton. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
149. Juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) P
The Atlantic sturgeon is a protected species that can live over 60 years growing to 11 feet and weighing 800 pounds, but usually encountered much smaller. This prehistoric species lives in fresh, brackish and saltwater rivers from Canada through the Gulf of Mexico. Juvenile sturgeon live in brackish water. The sturgeon is known for its ability to leap out of the water which for passing boaters presents a hazard. Atlantic sturgeon has become endangered due to over fishing, they are prized for their eggs as caviar. If you catch this species, please release it immediately. Image Credit: FWC on Facebook
150. Juvenile Leopard Sea Robin (Prionotus scitulus)
Searobins are found in the coastal waters in Florida. It is an unusual looking fish with a mottled body, wing like fins and a flat, large head. It has a tapered body with its tail being the thinnest part. Their bodies are a grayish or brown with a white belly and have spines on its cheeks, neck and shoulders so they should be handled carefully. This species are bottom feeders and feed on crabs, shrimp and small fish. They can grow up to 16 inches. Learn about the Sea Robin Image Credits: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
151. Polka-dot Batfish (Ogcocephalus cubifrons)
Polka-dot Batfish are found along the western Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida in sandy bottoms or in seagrass beds. This odd looking fish is a bumpy arrow shaped fish with wide pectoral fins that look like arms and a small pelvic fin. It moves slowly along the sand searching for a small meal of crabs or shrimp. Their bodies are usually brown in color with dark round spots but can also be reddish or orange in color. They can grow up to 15 inches. Image Credits: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
152. Juvenile Longnose Batfish (Ogcocephalus corniger)
Juvenile Longnose Batfish are found in the western Atlantic coast from North Carolina to the panhandle of Florida. The juveniles live inshore in mangroves and can be seen occasionally floating on the surface mimicking a floating leaf. They are an odd bumpy arrow-shaped fish with wide fins that resemble arms. They slowly move along the bottom searching for small crabs, shrimp or worms. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
153. Oyster Toadfish (Opsanus tau)
The oyster toadfish inhabits the Western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida's mid to north coast. This species inhabits inshore rocky bottoms and jetties feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, squid and small fish. This fish ambushes its prey. Toadfish's dorsal fin has a venomous spine that can give a bee-like sting. Image Credit: Wikimedia Public Domain
154. Gulf Toadfish (Opsanus beta)
The Gulf toadfish inhabits the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico as an opportunistic bottom feeder near structure or in seagrass beds. This toadfish species can grow up to a foot long and survive for extended time outside of the water. The slimy flesh of this species can cause skin irritations. Barracuda feed on the Gulf toadfish along with larger species such as dolphin and sea turtles. Image Credit: NOAA /Teacher at Sea
155. Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri)
Scorpionfish are found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. There are more than 200 species of scorpionfish in the ocean. They are bottom dwelling fish that are sometimes called rock or stonefish because they live among the rocks and in reefs. They are covered in flaps that help camouflage them in coral. Some are dull in color while other species are bright red or orange. Scorpionfish have spines containing venom that make them one of the most poisonous animals in the ocean. A sting from them are extremely painful to humans. Their diet consist of fish, crustaceans and snails. Most of this species are less than 2 feet in size. Image Credit: NOAA
156. Southern Stargazer (Astroscopus y-graecum)
There are around 50 species of stargazers in the South Atlantic. The Southern stargazer is unique in it produces electricity in organs on the top of its head, so be careful handling this species. Found in coastal waters from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, stargazers spend their life buried in the sand awaiting prey to pass by. They are often caught while shoreline bait catching after they are disturbed from their resting place. Usually found small, this species can grow to 22 inches long. Learn more about the Stargazer
157. Striped Burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfi)
? Striped Burrfish are found in the Atlantic coast from Florida to Cape Cod in grass beds in coastal reefs. They are a small pufferfish that have short but sharp immovable spines that cover its body. They are generally brown to olive color with blackish stripes and pale yellow on their underside. This species has a large head with bulging blue-green eyes. They feed on crabs, oysters and snails and can grow up to around 10 inches. After catching one with a hook or net anglers should wear gloves when handling as a precaution. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
158. Porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix)
Porcupinefish are found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to the northern Gulf of Mexico. They have a grayish body with black spots with a white underside. The spines all over its body lay flat and stand out when they feel threatened. They are a member of the pufferfish family. Juveniles float in the ocean and can be found floating in sargassum weed offshore. Adults live alone near reefs or caves and hunt crustaceans and mollusks at night. They can grow up to 36 inches but are commonly seen around 16 inches. This species does contain a toxin so they are not considered a catch for a meal. Image Credit: NOAA/OER
159. Southern Puffer (Sphoeroides nephelus)
Southern puffer inhabit the warm coastal waters of the Western Atlantic from northeast Florida trough the norther Gulf of Mexico inhabiting bays and estuaries while feeding on shellfish and small fishes. This species of puffer has a brown upper body with grey and black spots and can grow to about 8 inches, sometimes larger. Like all puffers, they take in water to inflate their bodies when threatened. This species is toxic and should never be eaten.Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
160. Smooth Puffer (Lagocephalus laevigatus)
Smooth puffer can be found inshore over sand or mud bottoms from New England through the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes venturing into brackish waters, feeding on fish and shrimp. This species is toxic and should never be eaten. Image Credit: NOAA/Teacher at Sea
161. Juvenile Scrawled Cowfish (Acanthostracion quadricornis)
Juvenile Scrawled Cowfish are found in the Atlantic from Massachusetts throughout the Gulf of Mexico in shallow areas with seagrass or reefs. This colorful yellow fish with bluish strips has pointed appendages about its eyes that look like horns. Its profile and puckered mouth give it a cow like appearance earning its name. Juveniles are oval shaped as opposed to the adult that has a box like body shape. They feed on small invertebrates and are mainly seen in aquariums. Image Credit: NOAA
162. Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae)
Dwarf Seahorses are found in the coastal waters of Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of Florida in seagrass beds. This species is distinguished from other seahorses by having a shorter snout and their skin is covered in tiny warts. They can be found in colors of tan, yellow, green or black and many have white specks or dark spots. The dwarf seahorses average length is only 1 inch. Their diet consist of small crustaceans and small shrimp. Image Credit: Sea Grant Florida & Univ. of Florida, IFAS Ext. Collier County, Brian Fluech
163. Juvenile Planehead Filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus)
Juvenile Planehead Filefish are found in the western Atlantic as far north as Canada all the way down to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They travel along with algae floating with the current and eat small animals. Its coloring is tan or olive and sometimes have darker streaks. They are laterally compressed with an elongated snout and has a retractable spine above its eye. Learn more about Filefish Image Credit: NOAA
164. Juvenile Grey Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) R
Juvenile Grey Triggerfish are found in the wester Atlantic Ocean from Canada south to Florida including the Gulf of Mexico. They like reefs and rocky areas or drift with seagrass. Juveniles are yellowish with small purple dots and can have dark or light patches on their bodies and fins. The front dorsal fin has spines that can lock into the erect position so they can hid in rocks and anchor themselves. They feed on barnacles and small worms.
165. Juvenile Atlantic Spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber)
Juvenile Atlantic Spadefish are found in estuaries in the Western Atlantic from Massachusetts south to Florida into the Gulf of Mexico. They are dark brown to black in color with some lighter mottling. They feed on plankton and small crustaceans. Juveniles can often be found swimming at an angle to resemble a leaf. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
166. Juv. Atlantic Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus)
Juvenile Atlantic Blue Tangs are found in western Atlantic from New York south to Florida to the Gulf of Mexico in shallow grassy areas. Despite its' name this fish is bright yellow with their fins and eyes outlined in blue as a juvenile. As they grow they change to a deep blue color. They have spines on both sides that can extend when they become excited so they should be handled with care. This species feeds entirely on algae and are not usually eaten by humans but are collected for aquariums. Image #3 Credit: NOAA
167. Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis)
The sergeant major fish is found in warm coastal waters from Rhode Island through the Gulf of Mexico. Juveniles can be found in large schools near shore in tidal pools usually around vegetation where adults are found on reefs and wrecks. They are a small fish growing to around 9 inches. Sergeant major is popular in the aquarium trade and not considered a sport fish. This species is a favorite food for many types of groupers.
168. Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus)
Porkfish are found in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico in Florida in shallow inshore waters over rocky bottoms. They travel in large schools and make a grunting noise by rubbing their teeth together. It has a tall, flat body, with yellow and blueish stripes and two black bars running down over its eyes and behind its head. They can grow to 15 inches long but are often found smaller. This species feed on mollusks, crustaceans and worms.
169. Hermit Crab (Paguroidea)
Hermit crabs are found in sandy or muddy bottomed waters. They have a soft abdomen that is asymmetrical and curls to the right. They have 2 pairs of antennae and 5 pairs of legs with the first two having small pincers. Hermit crabs come in many different colors but are usually only a couple of inches in length. As the crab grows and becomes too large for its shell, it must find a larger one to move into. This species feed on algae and other tiny particles. Learn more about Hermit Crabs Image #1 Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
More Sea Life You May Net While Bait Catching
Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
The moon jellyfish is a very common jellyfish found all over the world. In North America they can be found floating in the currents from New England to the Gulf of Mexico. Identify this species by the 4 horseshoe-shaped markings on top of its belly. Often encountered in the surf at the beach and occasionally stranded in the sand when the tide recedes, this species can produce a sting from its tentacles which they use to stink prey. Moon jellyfish can grow to 16 inches but are most commonly encountered at about half that size. This species only lives about six months and is eaten by turtles and some fish. Image Credit: Florida Sea Grant
Comb Jelly (Ctenophores)
Comb jellyfish can be found in all oceans around the world both inshore and offshore. This species is a 4 inch cone shaped jelly with bioluminescence light in a rainbow of colors coming from their comb rows that they beat to propel themselves. They have small tentacles that are sticky and used to capture their zooplankton prey. Image Credit: NOAA/Teacher at Sea
Sea Nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrh)
The Sea Nettle is a species of jellyfish that is found on the Atlantic coast. They are a bell shaped invertebrate with its mouth located at the center of one end of its body. Its tentacles that surround the mouth capture food such as zooplankton, other jellyfish and sometimes crustaceans. They are usually transparent with small white dots and reddish brown stripes. Their tentacles sting their prey and can cause discomfort but is not deadly to humans. Image Credit: NOAA / Teacher at Sea
Portuguese Man-O-War (Physalia physalis)
Portuguese Man-O-War are often called jellyfish but are not although they are closely related. They resemble a small balloon on the water and can be blue, violet or pink. Below the water are long strands of tentacles that grow to an average of 30 feet up to 100 feet. These tentacles contain venom that can paralyze and kill small fish. They are found mostly in tropical and subtropical seas and float with the current and wind. Image Credit: NOAA
Cannonball Jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris)
Cannonball jellyfish are found along the coastal shorelines of the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. They are a dome shaped bell that are from 7 to 10 inches in width and about 5 inches in height. They can be whiteish or blueish and do not have any long tentacles but they still can secrete a toxin. Their diet consists of fish eggs, fish larvae and snails. Image Credit: NOAA NEFSC
Giant Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus)
Giant Sea Cucumbers prefer shallow water in calm channels and coves. They are shaped like a cucumber, are radially symmetrical and lack spines and appendages. They are solid in color, have a large mouth surrounded by tentacles. Sea cucumbers eat any material or sediments off the ocean floor which are usually low in nutrients so in order to get the nutrients they need, they ingest a lot.
Red Footed Sea Cucumber (Pentacta pygmaea)
Small, brown Sea Cucumbers that clings to rocks and seaweed with unusually large tube feet. They tend to be stiffer than other sea cucumbers. This species feeds on plankton and organic matter and can grow up to 20 inches. It has the ability to regenerate all parts of its body.
Nine-Armed Sea Star (Luidia senegalensis)
The Nine-Armed sea star is found in the Atlantic Ocean on sandy or muddy bottoms. They have a small disk that has a circular area with nine, long, thin arms. They are whitish to a cream color with the dorsal surface being gray. This species can reach 16 inches in diameter. They feed on small crustaceans and mollusks with their mouth being at the center of the disk.
Brittle Star
The Brittle Star is found all over the world, there are over 2000 species and they live at various depths. They have 5 long, thin and spiny arms that are set off from the small disk shaped body. The arms can break off but will grow back. They have a mouth on the underside of the body with 5 teeth and mostly feed on plankton.
Sea Urchin
Sea Urchins are the porcupines of the sea. They have a hard outer body that is made up of 10 fused plates that look like slices of an orange underneath their spines. They have a beak like mouth to scrape algae off rocks. The sea urchins found in Florida have poisonous sharp spines that can harm a human if touched without gloves.
Sand Dollar (Encope aberrans) R
Sand dollars are found in tropical waters and are purple and hairy while alive. When deceased their shells (really their skeletons) turns white, which is how most of us see them. They feed on algae, debris and larvae using their spines to move the food into their mouths which is located on their bottom side. Since they cannot live without water it is illegal in most states to remove them from the water.
Shark Teelth
Sharks have teeth that fall out all the time that are continuously replaced with new teeth. On average they can lose one a week since they are not attached to their gums. There are more than 500 different species of sharks and each one has its own shaped teeth depending on what they eat. Why are there so many? When they lose a tooth it sinks to the bottom of the ocean and becomes buried by sediment which has no oxygen and therefore preserves the tooth. The color is determined by the type of sediment the fossil was preserved in.
Skate Egg Case
Skate Egg cases are also known as mermaid purses. These cases are the egg cases of sharks and skates used to protect their babies. The case provides the embryo with all the nutrients and energy they need to develop. The mother releases them and the baby will swim out of the purse once they can survive on their own. They can be found in all different sizes and colors that will wash up on shore when empty.
Sea Pork
Sea pork is found along the west coast of Florida and in Canada. They are invertebrates that filter and squirt water and have been around for millions of years. They are made up of cellulose and tiny zooids and can be pink, purple or creamy in color. The name is said to come from the fact that when dead they look like slabs of fat.
Multiple resources were used to create the information contained on our website. Information is provided as a tool to increase your fishing, boating, diving and outdoors enjoyment and is not conclusive. This information is provided only as a courtesy and there is NO guaranties, warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy of this content. America Go Fishing assumes NO liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained here. If you find an error or omission in the data, please feel free to contact us with the correct information and we will verify the error or omission and correct it as soon as possible.
