SHEEPSHEAD - Archosargus probatocephalus
Family: Sparidae, PORGIES
SHEEPSHEAD - Archosargus probatocephalus Family: Sparidae, PORGIES |
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Description: basic silvery color, with 5 or 6 distinct vertical black bars on sides, not always the same on both sides; prominent teeth, including incisors, molars, and rounded grinders; no barbels on lower jaw; strong and sharp spines on dorsal and anal fins.Similar fish: black drum, Pogonias cromis; Atlantic spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber. Black drum have barbels on lower jaw, sheepshead do not. |
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Where found: INSHORE around oyster bars, seawalls and in tidal creeks; moves NEARSHORE in late winter and early spring for spawning, gathering over rocks, artificial reefs, and around navigation markers. Size: INSHORE, 1 to 2 pounds; OFFSHORE, common to 8 pounds. Remarks: feeds on mollusks and crustaceans such as fiddler crabs and barnacles; famed nibblers, prompting the saying that "anglers must strike just before they bite."Florida record: 15 lbs., 2 oz.
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