Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, tubular; head is slightly compressed; color dark brown on back and sides, belly whitish, 2 horizontal lighter bands on sides from head to tail; 1st dorsal fin consists of 7-9 (usually 8) isolated spine (not connected by membrane), spines become small and rudimentary in larger fish; 2nd dorsal fin long; anal fin shorter than dorsal fin; upper lobe of caudal fin slightly longer than lower lobe. |
Similar Species |
Body similar to remoras but lacks the dorsal sucking disk of remoras. |
Habitat |
Gulf, occasionally enters bays |
Maximum Size |
200 cm (6 1/2 ft), common to 100 cm (3 1/3 ft) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. VII-IX (usually VIII)+I,27-33; A.II,23-24 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
ling |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
Minimum size is 40 in.; bag limit is 2; Check for state record. |