Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body deep, compressed, angled at base of dorsal fin; snout pointed; lower jaw profile concave; strongly protrusible jaws that point downward when extended; edge of preopercle is serrated; tail deeply forked; 2nd anal fin spine thick and longer 3rd spine and rays; high dorsal fin; dorsal fin spines dusky at edge. |
Similar Species |
Has a deeper body than most other mojarras, the 2nd anal spine is thick and longer than the 3rd spine; its preopercle is serrated. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, prefers sand or mud bottoms |
Maximum Size |
34 cm (13 1/2 in), common to 27 cm (10 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. IX,10; A. III,8 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
Irish mojarra |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
This fish is not a "pompano". It is actually in the mojarra family. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |