| Description: |
long,
slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects
past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends through eye
to tail; first dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9 free spines;
when young, has conspicuous alternating black and white
horizontal stripes |
| |
|
| Similar
Fish: |
remora,
Echeneis naucrates. |
| |
|
| Where
found: |
both
INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among
mangroves; frequently seen around bouys, pilings, and
wrecks. |
| |
|
| Size: |
common
to 30 pounds. |
| |
|
| Florida
Record*: |
103
lbs., 12 ozs. |
| |
|
| Remarks: |
spawns
in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and
small fish. |
*
The Florida records quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission's printed publication. The records
are provided as only as a benchmark. |
