- Back is dark olive or blue-green, fading to silvery sides and belly
- Upper sides have wavy lines of small, irregular, dark spots
- Pelvic and anal fins yellowish, other fins more pale
- Pair of large canine teeth at tip of upper jaw
- Tip of tongue colored with black
- Lack barbels on lower jaw
Similar Species: Spotted seatrout, C. nebulosus (has prominent spots); silver seatrout, C. nothus (bottom half of tail is longer than upper half); and sand seatrout, C. arenarius (lacks dark spots)
Size: Common to 20 inches
Habitat & Range
Coastal to offshore waters of the Atlantic (typically not in the Gulf of Mexico); juveniles found in estuaries
Life History
May mature as early as age 1; spawns in nearshore or estuarine areas between April and October; schooling fish; feeds primarily on shrimp and fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Record
10 lb, caught near Port Canaveral
