Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, robust, laterally compressed; color brown above, silvery on sides, yellow below; fins yellow; yellow lateral stripes on upper body; 8 dark vertical bars, wider above; preopercle slightly concave, serrated, 2 spines on lower angle; jaw reaching to or slightly before anterior margin of eye; fleshy arches at base margins of soft dorsal and anal fins; 2nd anal fin spine thick and longer than 3rd spine. |
Similar Species |
The distinct coloration pattern distinguishes this fish - 8 vertical bars, widest at top, yellowish horizontal stripes on upper body; yellow belly and fins; also thicken 2nd anal fin spine, longer than 3rd spine. |
Habitat |
Gulf, around sand and mud bottoms |
Maximum Size |
34 cm (13 1/2 in), common to 25 cm (10 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XII,13; A. III,7 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |