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
Inshore HabitatsInshore Habitats
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
Inshore HabitatsInshore Habitats
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.
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
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.
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
SheepsheadSheepshead
Convict Fish Vertical black and white bars Sharp spines and gill covers Near pilings, jetties, reefs and shell shores 1-3 lbs.
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
Hardhead CatfishHardhead Catfish
Dark grey back Silvery-white underneath Coast, bays and inlets Toxic slime on fins ½-3 lbs.
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
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.
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
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
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
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
Inshore SpeciesInshore Species
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
Deep Sea HabitatsDeep Sea Habitats
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
Deep Sea HabitatsDeep Sea Habitats
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.
MigratoryMigratoryOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species
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.
MigratoryMigratoryOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species
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.
MigratoryMigratoryOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species
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.
MigratoryMigratoryOffshore SpeciesOffshore Species
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
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