Credit: Illustration by Diane Rome Peebles

Family Rachycentridae

Description: long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends through eye to tail; first dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9 free spines; when young, has conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripes

Similar fish: remore, Eceneis naucrates

Where found: both inshore and nearshore inhabitating inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings, and wrecks.

Size: common to 30 pounds

Remarks: spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish

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