Florida and the Keys

Saltwater Fish Identification

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Dolphin: Family Coryphaenidae, Dolphins; Offshore in warm waters.; Size common to 30 lbs.
Sheepshead: Family Sparidae, Porgies; Inshore species around oyster bars, seawalls, and in tidal creeks; moves Nearshore in late winter and early spring for spawning, gathering over debris, artificial reefs, and around navigation markers.; Size Inshore 1-2 lbs.; Offshore common to 8 lbs.
White Grunt: Family Haemulidae, Grunts; From Shore to the outer reef edge or on Offshore hard bottom to 115 ft.; most abundant in water less than 80 ft. deep; juveniles Inshore.; Size most catches 1.5 lbs. (15 in.)
Bluefish: Family Pomatomidae, Bluefishes; Young usually Inshore spring and summer; moving Offshore to join adults fall and winter; strong migration of northeast Atlantic stock to Florida east coast in winter.; Size most west coast catches under 3 lbs., much larger on east coast.
Cobia (Ling): Family Rachycentridae, Cobia; Both Inshore and Nearshore inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings, and wrecks.; Size common to 30 lbs.