Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body moderately deep, compressed, color silver, olive, bluish with yellow horizontal lines on sides; dark spot on shoulder; 6 diffuse vertical bars on sides; mouth small; front teeth in both jaws incisor-like, directed outward, teeth deeply notched; posterior nostril oval; 1st dorsal spine small, projected forward; no scales between eye and mouth; preopercle not serrated. |
Similar Species |
Differs from the pigfish by having a shorter snout, larger eye and a shoulder spot (not present on the pigfish). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, prefers rocky or hard sand bottom |
Maximum Size |
40 cm (15 1/2 in), common to 18 cm (7 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XII,11; A. III,11 (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. |