Sheepshead (Archorsargus probatocephalus)
| Description: basic silvery color, with 5 or 6
distinct vertical black bands 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; vertical barring on sides of
black drum and spadefish disappear as fish mature; spadefish have small, brush-like
teeth). |
 |
| Where found: 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 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 ozs. |
