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: remora, Echeneis
naucrates.
Where found: both INSHORE and NEARSHORE
inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around bouys,
pilings, wrecks and piers Also known to follow stingrays in search for crabs.
Size: common to 30 pounds.
*Florida Record: 103 lbs., 12 ozs.
Remarks: spawns in spring and early summer;
feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish.
*The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental
Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most
current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.
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