Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body deep, compressed; color silvery with dark spots on scales, especially on upper body; preopercle slightly concave and serrated; jaw reaching to or slightly beyond anterior margin of eye; lips thick; soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins dark; soft dorsal rays longest at anterior end; 2nd anal fin spine thick; fleshy arch at basal margin of soft dorsal and anal fins. |
Similar Species |
Distinguished from other grunts by its deeper body and lack of horizontal or vertical bars. |
Habitat |
Gulf, around hard bottoms |
Maximum Size |
76 cm (30 in), common to 45 cm (17 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XII,16-18; A. III, 8-10 (usually 9) (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. |