- Color blue or greenish-blue on back, sides silvery
- Mouth large with prominent teeth
- Dorsal and anal fins nearly the same size
- Black blotch at base of pectoral fins
- Scales small; lateral line almost straight
Similar Species: No close resemblance, but frequently called angelfish by mistake
Size: Most Gulf coast catches under 3 pounds; much larger on Atlantic coast, up to 27 pounds
Habitat & Range
Young usually found inshore during spring and summer, moving offshore to join adults in fall and winter; strong migration of northeast Atlantic stock to Florida east coast in winter
Life History
Travels in large schools of similar-sized fish, following schools of baitfish; sometimes cannibalistic; spawning occurs offshore in spring and summer
Frequently Asked Questions
State Record
22 lb 2 oz, caught near Jensen Beach
