Saltwater Fish Species Identification Mr. Robinson.

Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fish Species IdentificationIdentification

Mr. Robinson

Today We WillToday We Will

Describe saltwater fish habitatsDifferentiate between saltwater

fish speciesIdentify locations for successful

fishing

What do you needWhat do you need

Reliable radioCompassLife jacketSea chartKnowledge

Fish ClassificationFish Classification

Cartilaginous

• Sharks, Skates and rays• Skeletons of cartilage

rather than bone

Bony fishes

• Skeletons of bone• Over 95% of known fish

species

Fish ClassificationFish Classification

Ecological Groupings

• Inshore (littoral)• Offshore bottom (reef)• Offshore migratory (pelagic)

Inshore (coastal) HabitatInshore (coastal) Habitat

Most marine fishes locate themselves near the edges of

continents

Inshore HabitatsInshore Habitats

Estuaries

Fresh and salt waters meet and mix

Harsh environment– Fluctuating salinity and

temperature– Fish expend energy by

swimming in search of better conditions

Exposed Beaches

Turbulent environment Small disoriented invertebrates

provide constant food source


Salt Marshes

Salt tolerable plants invade mudflats

One of best nutrient producing habitats

Will support large fish and invertebrates

Mudflats

A feature that allows sediment to accumulate

Receding tides expose accumulations

Worms, clams and other burrowers are abundant


Seagrass Flats

Shallow coastal areas often regress into flats

Highly productive habitat Large populations of fish can

be supported

Near-shore Soft Bottoms

Soft, silty featureless bottom Fish are of commercial

importance

Inshore SpeciesInshore Species

Red DrumRed Drum

Silver to bronze Black spot at upper base of tail Grayish silver fins Found along passes and channels between bars 3-4 lbs.


Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

Dark grayish-blue back Silvery bottom Dark spots on upper sides, dorsal fin and tail One or two prominent canine teeth on upper jaw Grassy areas, bays and coastal areas 1-2 lbs.


SheepsheadSheepshead

Convict Fish Vertical black and white bars Sharp spines and gill covers Near pilings, jetties, reefs and shell shores 1-3 lbs.


Hardhead CatfishHardhead Catfish

Dark grey back Silvery-white underneath Coast, bays and inlets Toxic slime on fins ½-3 lbs.


Southern FlounderSouthern Flounder

Dark olive to lighter brown Lies on side White underside Both eyes on “up” side Sandy and silty bottoms along shores and estuaries Caught by gigging 1-2 lbs.


Atlantic StingrayAtlantic Stingray

Brownish above White underneath Rhomboid shape Triangular nose Painful tail spine Found on or close to bottom 6-8 inches wide and up to 2 feet in length


Bull SharkBull Shark

Dark gray above White below Wide head, blunt snout, and heavy body Live in fresh and salt waters Found in estuaries, bays and shallow waters Up to 500 lbs. and 10 feet long


TarponTarpon

Silver king Body jaws, elongated dorsal fin, falcate anal fin, and large flat scales Exciting catch Found in estuaries, bays and inlets 30-80 lbs.

Deep Sea HabitatsDeep Sea Habitats

Natural Reefs

Abundance of food and shelter Reduced wave activity “Fish eat fish” world

Artificial Reefs

Most costly to incorporate Many fish seek out for shelter Sunken objects

– Burned car shells– Bundles of clay and concrete– Pipe– Oyster shells– Sunken ships

Fish Eat Fish WorldFish Eat Fish World

Catch small fish Notice increase in

strength Pull up much larger

fish


Blue Water Line

Two currents come in contact Forms line of sediment and

trash Allows fish to hide from

predators

Off-Shore Oil Rigs

Supports covered with algae, crustaceans and snails

Trolling – Avoid close passes for safety

Still fishing– Tie up to support– Attracts fish from depths


Objects

Floating debris Turtles Fishing boats

– Smaller fish escape nets– Throw undesirable species overboard

Bottom/ReefBottom/ReefOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species

Red SnapperRed Snapper

Deep rosy color with dark fringe around fins Often confused with redfish United dorsal fin Found close to the bottom Strike chum bait rather than lures

Bottom/ReefBottom/ReefOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species

JewfishJewfish

Dark to chocolate brown Round tailfins Large reaching 400-500 lbs. Good spear fishing

MigratoryMigratoryOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species

WahooWahoo

Dark blue above, lavender sides and silver underneath Young have distinctive vertical bars Solitary feeder 20 lbs.


CobiaCobia

Dark brown to black above with white below Spike like spines on dorsal fins Dark band from snout to tail Tendency to associate with floating objects 15-30 lbs.


Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel

Black top, blue-green sides and silver below Orange to brown spots Huge schools along coast Found in mouth passes into the gulf Most abundant during summer 1-2 lbs.


Blackfin TunaBlackfin Tuna

Dark blue back to silver below Vertical bars and dots along sides May have yellow streak on sides Live and move freely in the open sea 10-20 lbs.


Blue MarlinBlue Marlin

Deep blue above to silvery-white underneath Vertical lavender bars appear when hooked Found in deep blue waters far offshore Highly sought after sport fish 200 lbs.

What fish swims on it’s side?What is the most costly type of habitat?What is also known as the “convict fish”What fish has two prominent canine teeth?What is formed when fresh and salt waters mix?

ReferencesReferences

http://research.myfwc.com/http://www.boat-ed.com/fl/handbook/saltwa

ter_fish.htmIMS form 8985-D

Saltwater Fish Species Identification Mr. Robinson.

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