Marine Fish of Eastern North America a List by Armas Hill

PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
or 302/529-1876

MARINE
FISH
of Eastern
North America

in the
Atlantic Ocean

including inshore and offshore waters
of coastal North Carolina,
and south to Florida, north into Canada
and beyond that to ICELAND

A list compiled by Armas Hill

With those seen during FONT tours
and pelagic trips with an (*)

Photo at upper right: AMERICAN SHAD,
a fish in eastern North America in both salt and fresh water

A fine & interesting book about the SHAD is "The Founding Fish" by John McPhee, 2002.

Links:

A Listing of scheduled Focus On Nature Tours Upcoming Focus On Nature Tours in North America

FONT Past Tour Highlights

Links, to groupings of fish in the following list:

Sharks Sawfishes Guitarfish Sturgeons Gars Tarpon Skates & Rays

Eels Anchovies Herrings Smelts Salmon Opah Hakes Cods

Goosefishes (inc "Monkfish") Frogfishes (inc Sargassum Fish) Mullets

Flying Fish     Seahorses     Dolphin Fish     Remoras     Jacks & Pompanos      Pomfrets

Snappers     Mojarras     Grunts     Porgies     Drums     Goatfishes     Sea Chubs

Tunas & Mackerels     Billfishes     Flounders    Sunfish & Molas

Other Links:

Other Marine Life of Eastern North America (except Marine Mammals) (with some photos)

Mammals of Eastern North America (with some photos)

A List & Photo Gallery of North American Birds, in 6 Parts

Other Nature of Eastern North America (with some photos):
Butterflies Moths Dragonflies & Damselflies Amphibians & Reptiles

Codes:

All of the following either along the coast or offshore

DE   in Delaware
FL   in Florida
MA in Massachusetts
MD in Maryland
NC   in North Carolina
NH   in New Hampshire
NJ in New Jersey
NF in Newfoundland, Canada
IW: in Icelandic waters

(p)   seen pelagically during an offshore FONT trip

(FGCF:xx) refers to the page with an illustration in the book "A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes, from Maine to Texas", by Val Kells & Kent Carpenter, 2011.

These classifications by the ICUN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
of threatened & near-threatened species;
(t1): critically endangered
(t2): endangered
(t3); vulnerable
(nt): near-threatened

(ph): species with a photo in the FONT website

        THRESHER SHARKS (Family Alopiidae)

Thresher Shark (t3) (*) ______ MD NC NJ (p) (FGCF:65)
Alopias vulpinus

The Thresher Shark grows to 20 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 642 pounds on June 19, 2009. In New Jersey waters 617 pounds in 2004.
Bigeye Thresher (t3) ______ NC (FGCF:65)
Alopias superciliosus

The Bigeye Thresher grows to 15 feet in length.

BASKING SHARK (Family Cetorhinus)
Basking Shark (t3) (*) ______ NC NJ (p) IW (FGCF:67)
Cetorhinus maximus

The Basking Shark is the world's second largest fish (after the Whale Shark). It can be over 30 feet long and weigh more than 4 tons; and it can jump completely out of the water.

A link to the BASKING SHARK PROJECT of the MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY:

www.baskingsharks.org/content.asp?did=26661

With its mouth open, a Basking Shark

SOME COMMENTARY REGARDING SHARKS (38 species are in this list):

The shark fin trade has contributed to catastrophic declines of shark populations worldwide. It threatens to disrupt ocean ecosystems and encourages the proliferation of other predators, which in turn diminishes stocks of fish for human consumption.
Finning is the cutting off the fins of sharks and then throwing the fish back into the ocean, often while still alive.
The fins are used in the preparation of shark fin soup, which has been considered a Chinese delicacy.

Countries that currently have shark finning regulations include: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia (most states & territories), the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, the European Union, Honduras, India, Mexico, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, South Africa, and the United States.

Overall, 2011 was a key year for shark conservation. Hopefully, the realization will continue of the value of a healthy shark population for ecosystems and economies, supporting a policy of protecting sharks in the waters of the world.

A good and informative book about sharks is "The Shark Watcher's Handbook", by Mark Carwardine & Ken Watterson, published in 2002.

SAND TIGER SHARKS (Family Odontaspididae)
Sand Tiger Shark (t3) ______ NC NJ (FGCF:65)
Carcharias taurus

The Sand Tiger Shark is not to be confused with the Sand Shark or the Tiger Shark (both below), and even though its scientific name, Carcharias taurus, means "bull shark", it is not to be confused with the Bull Shark (also below).

The Sand Tiger Shark grows to a length of 19.4 feet. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 246 pounds in 1989 in the Delaware Bay.
Smalltooth Sand Tiger Shark (t3) ______ FL NC (also called the Bumpytail Ragged-tooth Shark)
Odontaspis ferox

MACKEREL SHARKS (Family Lamnidae)

Four types of fish have been found by the Food & Drug Administration of the US government to often have mercury levels above 1 part per million (ppm): shark, King Mackerel, Swordfish, and Tilefish.
These species accumulate mercury as they grow larger because they consume large amounts of small fish.
All four species just noted combined add up to a very small amount (about 1 per cent) of the fish Americans eat. The average mercury level in all the types of fish Americans east is low - 0.086 ppm, weighted for consumption.
Great White Shark (t3) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:67) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Carcharodon carcharias

The Great White Shark grows up to 19 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 467 pounds on June 11, 1992. In New Jersey waters 759 pounds in 1988.
Shortfin Mako ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:67)
Isurus oxyrinchus

The Shortfin Mako grows up to 8 feet in length.
Longfin Mako (t3) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:67) (species described in 1966)
Isurus paucus

The Longfin Mako grows up to 13 feet in length.

The record weight of a Mako Shark in Maryland waters was 876 pounds on June 20, 2009. In New Jersey waters 856 pounds in 1994.
Porbeagle (t3) ______ NC IW (FGCF:67)
Lamma nasus
(Range: Iceland south to North Carolina)

The Porbeagle grows up to 8 feet in length.

____________________________________________________________

Above: the jaws of a shark
Below: up to five rows of the shark's sharp teeth

REQUIEM SHARKS (Family Carcharhinidae)
Bull Shark ______ NC (FGCF:71)
Carcharhinus leucas

The Bull Shark grows up to 11 feet in length.
Blacknose Shark ______ NC (FGCF:69)
Carcharhinus acronotus

The Blacknose Shark grows up to 4.6 feet in length.
Bignose Shark ______ (FGCF:71) (species described in 1950)
Carcharhinus altimus

The Bignose Shark grows up to 9.8 feet in length.
Spinner Shark ______ NC (FGCF:71)
Carcharhinus brevipinna

The Spinner Shark grows up to 9 feet in length.
Silky Shark ______ NC (FGCF:71)
Carcharhinus falcifornis

The Silky Shark grows up to 10.8 feet in length.
Finetooth Shark ______ NC(rare) (FGCF:71)
Carcharhinus isodon

The Finetooth Shark grows up to 6.5 feet in length.
Blacktip Shark ______ MD NC (FGCF:73)
Carcharhinnus limbatus

The Blacktip Shark grows up to 8.4 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 193 pounds on August 4, 1991.
Oceanic Whitetip Shark (t3) ______ NC (FGCF:73)
Carcharhinnus longimannus

The Oceanic Whitetip Shark roams the open ocean, usually far from shore. It may be the most numerous large shark in the world. Some large schools have been observed, but lone individuals seem to be more common.

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are often seen in association with other creatures at sea including Dolphin Fish and tuna.
They are also known to follow several species of whales.
When they are with a pod of Short-finned Pilot Whales, the sharks perhaps take advantage of the whales' remarkable ability to find squid by echolocation, or they may feed on injured individuals.

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks can sometimes be seen cruising at the surface of the water, with their large pectoral fins conspicuously outspread, and they have been observed raising their snouts high into the air.
Scientists have determined that by sniffing the air the sharks can respond to the smell of food more quickly, and from a grater distance than if they relied only on the odor reaching them underwater.
Once they have found food, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks can be very aggressive and will dominate other shark species at the feast.

The Oceanic Whitetip Shark grows up to 13 feet in length. It is said to be a potentially high risk danger to divers.
Dusky Shark (t3) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:73)
Carcharhinnus obscurus

The Dusky Shark grows up to 12 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 469 pounds on July 1, 1982. In New Jersey waters 530 pounds in 1987.
Sandbar Shark (t3) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:73)
Carcharhinus plumbeus

The Sandbar Shark grows up to 7.8 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 235 pounds on July 8, 1983. In New Jersey waters 168 pounds 8 ounces in 1987.
Tiger Shark ______ MD NC NJ IW (FGCF:75)
Galeocerdo cuvier

The Tiger Shark grows up to 18 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 1,210 pounds on September 8, 1983. In New Jersey waters 880 pounds in 1988.
Tope ______ IW
Galeorhinus galeus
Lemon Shark ______ NC (FGCF:75)
Negaprion brevirostris

The Lemon Shark grows up to 11 feet in length.
Blue Shark (nt) (*) ______ MD NC NJ (p) (FGCF:75)
Prionace glauca

The Blue Shark grows up to 12.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 280 pounds on September 13, 1997. In New Jersey waters 366 pounds in 1996.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark ______ NC (FGCF:75)
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark grows up to 3.6 feet in length.

HAMMERHEAD SHARKS (Family Sphyrindae)
Scalloped Hammerhead (t2) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:77)
Sphyrna lewini
(Range: from New Jersey to Florida, and south)

The Scalloped Hammerhead grows up to 13.8 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 266 pounds on August 8, 2012. In New Jersey waters 365 pounds in 1985.
Great Hammerhead (t2) ______ NC (FGCF:77)
Sphyrna mokarran
(Range: North Carolina to Florida, and south)

The Great Hammerhead grows to 19.7 feet in length.
Bonnethead ______ NC (FGCF:77) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Sphyrna tiburo

The Bonnethead grows up to 5 feet in length.
Smooth Hammerhead (t3) ______ MD NC (FGCF:77) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Sphyrna zygaena

The Smooth Hammerhead grows up to 13 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 375 pounds on June 17, 2004.

BRAMBLE SHARKS (Family Echinorhinidae)
Bramble Shark ______ (FGCF:79)
Echinorhinus brucus

The Bramble Shark grows up to 10 feet in length.

CATSHARKS (Family Scyliorhinidae)
Deepsea Catshark ______ IW
Apristurus laurussonii
Marbled Catshark ______ NC (FGCF:69)
Galeus arae

The Marbled Catshark grows up to 13 inches in length.
Galeus murinus ______ IW
a Catshark ______ IW
Scyliorhinus canicula
Chain Dogfish ______ NC (FGCF:69)
Scyliorhinus retifer

The Chained Dogfish grows up to 23 inches in length.

HOUND SHARKS (Family Triakidae)
Smooth Dogfish ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:69)
Mustelus canis

The Smooth Dogfish grows up to 5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 15 pounds, 5 ounces on May 22, 1993. In New Jersey waters 19 pounds 8 ounces in 2000.

DOGFISH SHARKS (Family Squalidae)

With their obvious shark-like bodies, the "Dogfish" or "Huss" in the SQUALIDAE family are immediately recognizable as "sharks".
However, the sheer number of shark species is confusing, and is often all the more so with different regional names.
It should be borne in mind that some sharks have been fished excessively, and thus with them there are sustainability issues.

Alternatives, as food, would include "monkfish", cod, and skate.

Regarding the Dogfish Sharks, in SQUALIDAE, they are nutritious, low in fat and easy to digest. The pink, dense and meaty flesh has a strong game-like taste that goes well with robust flavors and in tomato-based soups and stews. It lends itself to the cooking methods used for tuna and swordfish, and can also be baked, stir-fried, pan-fried or grilled (broiled).

Huss (or "dogfish") is available whole, but it is usually skinned before purchase. After the head and skin have been removed, the fish can be filleted in a similar way to "monkfish".
After the central cartilage has been removed, there are no other bones to extract.
Spiny Dogfish (t3) ______ MD NC NJ IW (FGCF:79) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Squalus acanthias

The Spiny Dogfish grows up to 6.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 11 pounds, 8 ounces on May 17, 1993. In New Jersey waters 15 pounds 12 ounces in 1990.

Another name for Squalus acanthias is Spurdog.
Cuban Dogfish ______ NC (FGCF:79) (species described in 1936)
Squalus cubensis

The Cuban Dogfish grows up to 3.6 feet in length.
Roughskin Dogfish ______ NC (FGCF:79) (species described in 1973)
Cirrhigaleus asper

The Roughskin Dogfish grows up to 3.8 feet in length.
Birdbeak Dogfish ______ IW
Deania calceus

LANTERN SHARKS (Families Etmopteridae and Somniosidae)

The genus Centroscyllium in the family SOMNIOSIDAE.
Black Dogfish Shark ______ IW (FGCF:81)
Centroscyllium fabricii
(Range: from Iceland and Greenland to Virginia)

The Black Dogfish Shark grows up to 3.5 feet in length.
Centroscyllium coelolepis ______ IW
Centroscyllium crepidater ______ IW
Centroscyllium obscurus ______ IW (was Scymnodon obscurus)
Broadband Lantern Shark ______ NC (FGCF:81) (species described in 1968)
Etmopterus gracilispinis
(Range: from Virginia to Florida, also Uruguay, Argentina, South Africa)

The Broadband Lantern Shark grows up to 13 inches in length.
Etmopterus princeps ______ IW
Velvet belly Lantern Shark ______ IW
Etmopteris spinax

SLEEPER SHARKS (Family Somniosidae)
Portuguese Shark (nt) ______ NC (FGCF:81)
Centroscymnus coelolepis

The Portuguese Shark grows to 4 feet in length.
Greenland Shark (nt) ______ IW (FGCF:81)
Somniosus microcephalus
(Range: in Arctic and North Atlantic waters south rarely to Massachusetts)

The Greenland Shark grows to 21 feet in length.

KITEFIN SHARKS (Family Dalatiidae)
Kitefin Shark ______ NC (FGCF:81)
Dalatias licha

The Kitefin Shark grows to 5.2 feet in length.

ANGEL SHARKS (Family Squatinidae)
Atlantic Angel Shark ______ NC (FGCF:83)
Squatina dumeril

The Atlantic Angel Shark grows to 5 feet in length.

SAWFISHES (Family Pristidae)
Smalltooth Sawfish (t1) ______ (FGCF:83)
Pristis pectinata

The Smalltooth Sawfish grows to 18 feet in length.
Largetooth Sawfish (t1) (ph) ______ (FGCF:83) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pristis pristis

The Largetooth Sawfish has recently been included, by scientists from throughout the world, in a list (compiled in 2012) of the 100 most endangered species of life on our planet.
It is said to have disappeared from 95 per cent of its historical range.

The Largetooth Sawfish grows to 20 feet in length.

Here's a link to: THE 100 MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE WORLD

GUITARFISHES (Family Rhinobatidae)
Atlantic Guitarfish ______ NC (FGCF:85)
Rhinobatos lentiginosus

SKATES (Family Rajidae, or Archynchobatidae)

SKATES are found in all the oceans of the world. They are kite-shaped, cartilaginous flat fish with long thin tails. The skin color varies in different species.

Skates are edible, and among them, regardless of the species, the texture is much the same. The flesh of skates is unique and recognizable as it peels away from the cartilage in long strands. It has a distinctive, strong and somewhat earthy flavor.

A whole skate is uncommon in a fish market because only the fins (usually known as the wings) and the cheeks (also known as the knobs) can be eaten.
The skin is difficult to remove, and so it is better for the fish supplier to skin the wings. The fish should have a fresh smell. An ammonia-like smell is a sign that the fish is not fresh.

Wings and knobs can be poached, fried, baked, or cooked in a parcel or package of greaseproof (wax) foil.
Thorny Skate (t3) ______ NC IW (FGCF:85) (another name is Starry Ray)
Amblyraja radiata (was Raja radiata)
Barndoor Skate (t2) ______ NC (FGCF:85)
Dipturus laevis
(Range: from Newfoundland to North Carolina)
Prickly Brown Ray ______ NC (FGCF:87) (species described in 1951)
Dipturus teevani
Underworld Windowskate ______ (FGCF:87) (another name is Pluto Skate)
Fenestraja plutonia
Little Skate ______ NC (FGCF:87)
Leucoraja erinacea
(Range: from Newfoundland to North Carolina)
Rosette Skate ______ NC (FGCF:87) (species described in 1939)
Leucoraja garmani
Leucoraja garmani virginica ______ (subspecies from Massachusetts to North Carolina)
Leucoraja garmani garmani ______ (subspecies from North Carolina to Florida)
Winter Skate (t2) ______ NC (FGCF:89)
Leucoraja ocellata
(Range: from Newfoundland to South Carolina)
Smooth Skate (t2) ______ (FGCF:89)
Mabacoraja senta
(Range: from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Maine)
Clearnose Skate ______ NC (FGCF:89)
Raja eglanteria
Raja batis ______ IW
Thornback Skate (or Ray) ______ IW
Raja clavata
Shagreen Ray ______ IW
Raja fullonica
Raja fyllae ______ IW
Raja hyperborea ______ IW
Pale Ray ______ IW
Raja lintea
Raja nidarosiensis ______ IW
Soft Skate ______ IW
Raja spinacidermis
Spinytail Skate ______ IW
Bathyraja (or Raja) spinicauda

AMERICAN ROUND STINGRAYS (Family Urotrygonidae)
Yellow Stingray (ph) ______ NC (FGCF:89)
Urobatis jamaicensis

Yellow Stingray

WHIPTAIL STINGRAYS (Family Dasyatidae)
Atlantic Stingray ______ NC (FGCF:91)
Dasyatis sabina
Southern Stingray (ph) ______ NC (FGCF:91)
Dasyatis americana

Southern Stingray
(photo courtesy of Diane Allison)
Roughtail Stingray ______ NC (FGCF:91)
Dasyatis centroura
Bluntnose Stingray ______ NC (FGCF:91)
Dasyatis say
Pelagic Stingray ______ NC (FGCF:91)
Pteroplatytrygon violacea

BUTTERFLY RAYS (Family Gymnuridae)

BUTTERFLY RAYS form a small family of 2 genera and at least 13 species. They are mainly tropical, and occasionally warm-temperate marine fishes, found throughout the world, mostly in relatively shallow waters.
Spiny Butterfly Ray (t3) ______ NC (FGCF:93) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Gymnura altavela

Spiny Butterfly Rays have a width up to 6.8 feet.
Smooth Butterfly ______ NC (FGCF:93)
Gymnura micrura

EAGLE RAYS (Family Myliobatidae)

EAGLE RAYS are marine fishes that are found in near-shore tropical to temperate waters worldwide. There are 5 genera and 27 species.
Cownose Ray ______ NC (FGCF:95)
Rhinoptera bonasus
Spotted Eagle Ray (ph) ______ NC (FGCF:93)
Aetobatus narinari
Bullnose Ray ______ NC (FGCF:93)
Myliobatis greminvillei
Southern Eagle Ray ______ NC (FGCF:93)
Myliobatis goodei
Giant Manta (nt) (*) ______ NC(p) NJ (p) (FGCF:95)
Manta birostris (was in the Family Mobulidae)
Devil Ray ______ NC (FGCF:95)
Mobula hypostoma

STURGEONS (Family Acipenseridae in the Order Acipenseriformes)

The STURGEONS are an old group of anadromous and freshwater fishes. The family is comprised of 4 genera and 25 species found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere.

STURGEONS are oviparous.

Some species species make a kind of squeaking sound.

In this "old group", among the oldest known are actual fossils from a Late Cretaceous Period in Alberta, Canada, going back about 80 to 85 million years, which are little more than fragments of ornamented bone.
But it is thought that STURGEONS may go back to the Early Cretaceous, perhaps 130 million years ago. Their sister group, the PADDLEFISHES, are known from that period.
A wonderfully preserved fossil STURGEON (Priscosturion longipinnis) from the Late Cretaceous has been found in the gut of a fossil HADROSAUR.
Shortnose Sturgeon (t3) ______ MA(very rare) MD(very rare) (FGCF:95)
Acipenser brevirostrum

The Shortnose Sturgeon and the Atlantic Sturgeon (below) are both classified as endangered in Massachusetts and New Jersey, and they are both classified as federally endangered by the US government.
The Shortnose Sturgeon is also classified as endangered in North Carolina.
Atlantic Sturgeon (nt) (ph) ______ MA(very rare) MD(very rare) NJ (FGCF:95)
Acipenser oxyrinchus

As of early February in 2012, some populations of the Atlantic Sturgeon were designated by the US government as endangered. Four populations, including the New York bight group in the Delaware River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Carolina coast, were categorized as endangered. Another group in the Gulf of Maine was listed as threatened.

The Atlantic Sturgeon is classified as endangered by the state of Delaware.

In the Delaware River & Bay before 1890, there were an estimated 180,000 adult female Atlantic Sturgeons spawning. Now, the total spawning adults in that area is believed to number less than 300.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the number of large bony-backed sturgeons in the Delaware was large enough to support a lucrative fish and caviar industry.

Sturgeons are ranked as the most primitive of bony fishes, with ties to species that swan in oceans and rivers during the time of the dinosaurs. (See general note above.)

The "endangered" classification was justified due to threats by fishing, poor water quality, and either the possibility of dams that could disrupt spawning or dredging in spawning areas (such as the Delaware Bay), along with "vessel hits" in the Delaware River & Bay, where there were vessel strikes that killed 29 sturgeon between 2004 & 2008.

Atlantic Sturgeon grow to a length of 14 feet and can weigh several hundred pounds. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 82 pounds in 1994.

Atlantic Sturgeon
a sturgeon ______ IW
Acipenser sturio

GARS (Family Lepisosteidae)
Longnose Gar ______ MD(rare) NC (FGCF:97) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Lepisosteus osseus

The Longnose Gar grows to a length of 6.5 feet. The record weight in Maryland waters was 17 pounds on July 31, 2011, in the Pocomoke River.

TENPOUNDERS (Family Elopidae)
Ladyfish ______ NC (FGCF:97) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Elops saurus

TARPONS (Family Megalopidae)
Tarpon ______ NC NJ (FGCF:97)
Megalops atlanticus

The Tarpon grows to a length of 7.2 feet. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 53 pounds in 1982.

BONEFISHES (Family Albulidae)

BONEFISHES are tropical fishes, although a few species wander into temperate waters. They are found in marine, estuarine, and occasionally freshwater throughout the world.

It has been long thought that in the family there were only a few species in 2 genera, but now, based on molecular studies, taxonomists are unsettled and all is confusion, as what was once thought to be the worldwide Albula vulpes is now understood to be a number of similar-appearing species.

BONEFISHES are oviparous, and have large leptocephali larvae.
Bonefish ______ NC (FGCF:97) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Albula vulpes

FRESHWATER EELS (Family Anguillidae)
American Eel ______ NC NH NJ (FGCF:99)
Anguilla rostrata

The American Eel is a nocturnal forager. The species is catadromous. It grows to a length of 5 feet. The record weight in New Hampshire waters was 8 pounds on July 6, 1975. In New Jersey waters 6 pounds, 13 ounces in 2005, in the Round Valley Reservoir.

An excellent book about eels is "Eels, an Exploration from New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish", Harper Collins Publishers, 2010.

The Eels in the genus ANGUILLA are snake-like in appearance. In addition to Anguilla rostrata, the American Eel, in the genus, there is also the critically-endangered species Anguilla anguilla, the European Eel.

The Freshwater Eels, in the Family Anguillidae (above and below), and the Conger Eel (below) have been considered edible, but now there are serious sustainability issues surrounding both, so alternatives should be considered.
European Eel (t1) ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Anguilla anguilla

MORAY EELS (Family Muraenidae)

The MURAENIDS are tropical and warm-temperate marine fishes, some of which routinely enter fresh water. There are in all maybe 15 genera and around 185 species.

MORAYS are oviparous and have planktonic leptocephalus larvae. A Leptocephalus larva is thin, fairly large, and leaf-shaped, and can take a number of months to metamorphose into a juvenile.

"Moray" seems to be derived from the Greek word for "lamprey".
Blacktail Moray ______ NC (FGCF:101) (species described in 1980)
Gymnothorax kolpos
Spotted Moray ______ NC (FGCF:101)
Gymnothorax moringa
Honeycomb Moray ______ NC (FGCF:101) (also called Ocellated Moray)
Gymnothorax saxicola
Purplemouth Moray ______ NC (FGCF:103)
Gymnothorax vicinus
Reticulate Moray ______ NC (FGCF:103)
Muraena retifera

SNAKE EELS and WORM EELS (Family Ophichthidae)
Spotted Spoon-nose Eel ______ NC (FGCF:103)
Echiophis intertinctus
Speckled Worm Eel ______ NC (FGCF:103)
Myrophis punctatus
Shrimp Eel ______ (FGCF:105)
Ophichthus gomesii
Pale-spotted Eel ______ NC (FGCF:105)
Ophiichthus puncticeps

CONGER EELS (Family Congridae)
Bandtooth Conger Eel ______ NC (FGCF:105)
Ariosoma balaericum
European Conger Eel ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Conger conger

The European Conger Eel grows up to 9.8 feet and weighs up to 110 pounds, making it the largest eel in the world.
American Conger Eel ______ NC (FGCF:105)
Conger oceanicus

The American Conger Eel grows to 6.5 length in length.

ANCHOVIES (Family Engraulidae)
Striped Anchovy ______ NC (FGCF:107) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Anchoa hepsetus
Dusky Anchovy ______ NC (FGCF:107)
Anchoa lyolepis
Bay Anchovy ______ NC (FGCF:107)
Anchoa mitchilli
Silver Anchovy ______ NC (FGCF:107)
Engraulis eurystole

Fresh anchovies in the widespread genus ENGRAULIS, including the European Anchovy, Engraulis encrasiclous, are often startlingly attractive with vivid, deep blue backs and shiny, silvery flanks.
These fish are closely related to sardines and herrings (below).
The anchovies are a finger-length, slim fish that swim in large shoals in warmer waters.

Oily and delicate, anchovies do not transport well and lose their good condition very rapidly, so they are often salted, canned, or cured in vinegar.
Whole salted anchovies, which are popular some places, for example in Italy, can be substituted with tinned or bottled fillets in oil. The popularity of anchovies as a preserved fish has led to relentless fishing, which has threatened some stocks.

Fresh anchovies can either be simply pan-fried with sage or cured in white wine vinegar and salt for a few hours, and then drained and marinated in olive oil, herbs, and lemons overnight.

Regarding some terminology above:
The term "shoal" is used to describe any group of fish, including mixed-species groups.
"School" is used for more closely-knit groups of the same species swimming in a highly synchronized manner.

HERRINGS (Family Clupeidae)

The CLUPEIDS are close relatives of the ANCHOVIES. They are a large group of marine, estuarine, freshwater, and anadromous fishes that live throughout the world. There are about 57 genera and 190 species worldwide.

CLUPEIDS are oviparous with planktonic eggs and larvae.

Fossils of fish described as "clupeomorpha" have been found in Late Jurassic formations (at least 160 million years ago), and the oldest Clupeidae (Knightia spp.) are known at least from the Paleocene (a minimum of 55.8 million years ago).

Herrings are caught in large quantities in North Atlantic waters and herring fishing is an important industry off the Pacific Coast of the United States and Canada.
in the United States, herrings are mostly fished during the summer months.

When very fresh, herrings have shiny silver skin with blue-green iridescent colors along the back, and large loose scales.

Shad, or river herring, in the herring family, spawn in rivers. The fish as food can be used interchangeably in various recipes.
There are, however, some sustainability issues in the US due to the large amounts of by-catch, occurring when they are caught unintentionally,

Herring and shad have an oily and creamy flesh with a delicate flavor. Their prized roe is often sold separately.

To prepare fresh herrings, remove the skins and heads, slit open the backs and remove the bones, without disturbing the roe. The blood line along the backbone and the bitter gills should always be removed.
Fresh herring is simple to cook and can be pan-fried, roasted, or grilled (broiled).

Herrings are also preserved by salting, smoking and pickling to produce such specialties as kippers and rollmops.

In the United States, herring is often sold canned and labeled as sardines. For fresh fish, sardines and mackerels make good substitutes.
Blueback Herring ______ NC (FGCF:107)
Alosa aestivalis
Twaite Shad ______ IW
Alosa fallax fallax
Hickory Shad ______ MD NC (FGCF:109)
Alosa mediocris

The Hickory Shad grows up to 2 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 4 pounds on July 23, 1971, in the Susquehanna River.
Alewife ______ (FGCF:109) (species described by Alexander Wilson in Philadelphia in 1811)
Alosa pseudobarengus
American Shad (ph) ______ MA MD NJ (FGCF:109) (species described by Alexander Wilson in Philadelphia in 1811)
Alosa sapidissima

Although the American Shad ranges from the Gulf of the St. Lawrence to Florida, its prime breeding ground has been the Delaware River Estuary.

When Alexander Wilson (who was noted mostly as an ornithologist) described the species for science in 1811, he also described the fish as being "most savory". The Latin word "sapidissima" can also be translated to mean "most delicious".

The American Shad grows to 2.3 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 8 pounds 2 ounces on May 31, 1975, in the Wicomico River. In Massachusetts waters 11 pounds 4 ounces in 1986, in the Connecticut River. In New Jersey waters 11 pounds 1 ounce in 1984, in the Delaware River.

American Shad
Atlantic Menhaden ______ NC (FGCF:111)
Brevoortia tyrannus
Atlantic Herring ______ NC IW (FGCF:111) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Clupea harengus
(Range: from southern Greenland south to North Carolina)
Gizzard Shad ______ NC (FGCF:113)
Dorosoma cepedianum
(Range: from the St. Lawrence River south to Florida)
Round Herring ______ NC (FGCF:113)
Etrumeus teres
Scaled Sardine ______ NC (FGCF:113)
Harengula jaguana
Atlantic Thread Herring ______ NC (FGCF:115)
Opisthonema oglinum
Spanish Sardine ______ NC (FGCF:115)
Sardinella aurita
a sardine ______ IW
Sardina pilchardus

SMELTS (Family Osmeridae in the Order Salmonidormes)
Capelin ______ IW (FGCF:117)
Mallotus villosus
(Range: in the northwest Atlantic Ocean south to Nova Scotia and the Grand Banks)

The Capelin is a critical component of the diet of the Atlantic Puffin, a bird that nests on cliffs by the North Atlantic Ocean.
The food favored by the Puffin varies a bit regionally, but everywhere their diet is made up almost entirely of one or two species.
In the northwestern Atlantic, the Capelin is the Puffin's preferred prey, sometimes accounting for up to 95 per cent of their diet.

The Capelin is a small silvery fish with a key role in the food chain. They feed on plankton, and they are fed upon by a range of birds, mammals, and other fish.
The Capelin is a schooling species that lives in cold, open waters of the arctic and sub-arctic.

Commercial Capelin fisheries catch the fish, that are used mainly for fish meal and oil industry products, and only to a lesser extent for food. Species such as the Atlantic Cod and the Atlantic Puffin are competing with the fisheries for a main food source in their diet.

Capelin grow to 10 inches in length.

The Capelin is a favored food of the Atlantic Puffin.
Rainbow Smelt ______ (FGCF:117)
Osmerus mordax
(Range: from Labrador south to New Jersey)

SALMONIDS (Family Salmonidae)

The SALMONIDS include both salmon & trout, and more including: WHITEFISHES, GRAYLING, and the like. In the family, there are 11 genera and about 66 species.

A book with interesting reading about salmon is "Four Fish, the Future of the Last Wild Food", by Paul Greenberg, published in 2010. The four fish are: salmon, sea bass, cod, tuna.
Atlantic Salmon ______ MA NH IW (FGCF:117) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Salmo salar
(Range: from Iceland and Greenland south to New York)

The Atlantic Salmon has a relatively complex life history that includes spawning, juvenile rearing in rivers, and extensive feeding migrations in the ocean. This fish has its greatest feeding and growth in salt water.

Atlantic Salmons have an extraordinary sense of returning back to the same stream where they were hatched, and doing so it has mystified biologists for hundreds of years.

The coloration of the Atlantic Salmon changes as it grows older. In freshwater, blue and red spots can be marked on their skin, and as they mature those spots disappear and the fish develops a silver blue sheen. At their time of reproduction, the skin color changes to green or red.

Atlantic Salmons spend their first few years in freshwater (small streams and rivers). feeding on aquatic insects and other food that comes in the current. At that stage in their life, they are known as "parr". Most of their time at that stage goes in fighting for food. When spring comes and they reach if size of about 4 inches, they become "smolts" and begin migrating to the ocean.

There are generally 3 recognized groups of Atlantic Salmon: North America, European, and Baltic.
Atlantic Salmon reproduce in coastal rivers of northeastern North America, Iceland, Europe, and northwestern Russia. Then the smolts migrate through various parts of the North Atlantic Ocean. At sea, the European and North American types are known to intermingle.
The Atlantic Salmon has remained a popular fish for human consumption.

Atlantic Salmon in the wild is now rare. It is now extensively farmed in Norway, Scotland, and Chile, which provides a good source for a demanding market worldwide.

The striking silver-scaled skin of the Salmon is speckled with black spots. The firm, oily, flamingo-pink flesh of the fish has a delicious flavor. It is available whole and cleaned, filleted or cut into steaks, with or without skin.
Salmon should be scaled before cooking because the scales will otherwise loosen and stick to the flesh. If filleted, the pinbones should be removed.
Fresh salmon has a moist, flaky texture and suits a variety of cooking methods including poaching and pan-frying and grilling (broiling) and roasting.
A salmon steak requires only 8 to 10 minutes to cook through, and the tail end of the salmon, popular because it is boneless, requires only 4 to 5 minutes cooking. Also salmon can be enjoyed either cold, or hot smoked.

Alternatives to Salmon can include Steelhead Trout (also known as Salmon Trout) which has a similarly colored flesh. Arctic Char could also be substituted.
The Steelhead Trout is a variety of Rainbow Trout. It is a freshwater fish, but very similar in taste and texture to Salmon. Arctic Char, also a freshwater fish, is found, among some other places, in the Canadian Arctic. No other fish occurs as far north.

The Atlantic Salmon grows up to 3 feet in length. The record weight in Massachusetts waters was 22 pounds 15 ounces in 1997. In New Hampshire waters 18 pounds 8 ounces in 1942.
Arctic Char ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Salvelinus alpinus

The subspecies Salvelinus alpinus oquassa, the Blueback Trout, or Sunapee Trout, has been extirpated from most of what has been its native range in the eastern US. It does occur in Quebec (in Canada) and in northern New England (in the US).
Pink Salmon ______ IW (introduced in Iceland waters) (another name is Humpback Salmon)
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

LIZARDFISHES (Family Synodontidae)
Largescale Lizardfish ______ NC (FGCF:119) (also called Brazilian Lizardfish)
Saurida brasiliensis
Shortjaw Lizardfish ______ NC (FGCF:119)
Saurida normani
Inshore Lizardfish ______ NC (FGCF:119)
Synodus foetens
Sand Diver ______ NC (FGCF:119)
Synodus intemedius
Snakefish ______ NC (FGCF:119)
Trachinocephalus myops

Snakefish bury themselves and quickly ambush prey.

GREENEYES (Family Chlorophthalmidae)
Shortnose Greeneye ______ NC (FGCF:121)
Chlorophthalmus agassizi

LANCETFISHES (Family Alepisauridae)
Longnose Lancetfish ______ NC (FGCF:121)
Alepisaurus ferox

The Longnose Lancetfish grows to 6.5 feet in length.

OPAHS (Family Lampridae)
Opah ______ NC (FGCF:121)
Lampris guttatus

RIBBONFISHES (Family Trachipteridaae)
Polka-dot Ribbonfish ______ NC (FGCF:121)
Desmodema polystictum

OARFISHES (Family Regalecidae)
Oarfish (ph) ______ (FGCF:123)
Regalecus glesne

The Oarfish grows up to 26 feet in length. It may be the longest known bony fish.

Much of what is known about the Oarfish has been learned from specimens that have washed ashore or have been accidentally caught by fisherman.
They have been known to come to the surface of the sea at night, apparently attracted by the lights of boats.

A live Oarfish was filmed alive for the first time in 2001when it was spotted by a team of U.S. Navy personnel repairing a buoy in the Bahamas. The fish was observed as it swam by undulating its long dorsal fin while keeping its body fairly straight. That type of propulsion is known as an amiiform mode of swimming. Oarfish have also been observed swimming in a vertical position. it is thought that may be one way that it searches for food.

Adult Oarfish are thought to live solitary lives. They are usually found at a depth of about 600 feet, but they have been known to go as deep as 3,000 feet.

This unusual deep water species has been known to wash ashore on beaches after storms, providing considerable fascination to onlookers. The fish has also been found floating near the surface of the water when it is ill.
It is believed that the Oarfish may be responsible for legendary sightings of "sea monsters" and "sea serpents" by ancient mariners and beach goers
Although it is on occasion fished for sport, the Oarfish is not fished commercially as its gelatinous flesh is not considered edible.

An Oarfish

BEARDFISHES (Family Polymixiidae)
Beardfish ______ NC (FGCF:123)
Polymixia lowei

The Beardfish grows to 8 inches in length.

GRENADIERS (Family Macrouridae)
Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus ______ IW
Coryphaenoides guntberi ______ IW
Ceryphaenoides rupestris ______ IW
Macrourus berglax ______ IW
Marlin-spike ______ NC (FGCF:123)
Nezumia bairdii
Nezumia aequalis ______ IW
Trachyrhynchus murrayi ______ IW

MERLUCCID HAKES (Family Merlucciidae)

Popular as a fish with good taste, the hakes of the family MERLUCCIIDAE are closely associated with cod (below), and has similar white, flakly flesh.
With distinctive silvery, elongated bodies and pointed snake-like heads, large eyes and a sharp set of teeth, various species of Merluccid Hakes are caught around the globe, including in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The species of Europe is Merluccius merluccius.
In some waters, hakes has been fished to unsustainable levels.

Hakes are usually cleaned on landing and have soft skin and fins so, apart from removing the gills, a whole fish requires little preparation. Although, it may be sold whole, it is more commonly available in fillets or steaks.

Hakes have a deceptively soft and delicate flesh, even when very fresh, but fillets become firm, white and sweet-flavored when cooked.
Hake works well with the same flavors as cods, and it naturally partners with olive oil, citrus, garlic, and tomato. It is also excellent poached and seasoned with oil and lemon juice or served with mayonnaise.
Good alternatives are others in the cod and hake families (Gadidae & Merlucciidae).
Offshore Hake ______ NC (FGCF:123)
Merluccius albidus
Silver Hake ______ NC (FGCF:123)
Merluccius bilinearis
European Hake ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Merluccius merluccius

Merluccius merluccius is called the "Herring Hake", as it often feeds on Atlantic Herring, at times voraciously, devouring them in great numbers.
The European Hake is a night predator. During the day it generally stays at depths from 90 to 1200 feet, although it can be as far down as 3,000 feet below the surface of the water.

PHYCID HAKES (Family Phycidae)
Fourbeard Rockling ______ NC IW (FGCF:125) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766) (was Rhinonemus cimbrius)
Enchelyopus cimbrius
Greater Forkbeard ______ IW
Phycis blennoides
Red Hake ______ NC NJ (FGCF:125)
Urophycis chuss
(Range: Nova Scotia to North Carolina)

The Red Hake grows up to 19 inches in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 8 pounds 12 ounces in 1990.
Carolina Hake ______ NC (FGCF:125)
Urophycis earllii
Southern Hake ______ NC (FGCF:125)
Urophycis floridana
Spotted Hake ______ NC (FGCF:125)
Urophycis regia
White Hake ______ NJ  IW
Urophycis tenuis

The record weight of a White Hake in New Jersey waters was 41 pounds 7 ounces in 1989.

CODS (Families Gadidae and Lotidae)

Species in the genera Ciliata, Gaidropsanus, and Molva are now in the LOTIDAE family.of cod-like fishes

COD is easily identified by its yellow or olive-green speckles and the white line that runs the length of each side.
It has superb white, flaky flesh that is almost creamy in consistency.

Several species are caught in the oceans globally, and in some areas of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua, has been fished to unsustainable levels in some areas.
Cods are the best known members of the large family GADIDAE that includes haddock, whiting, and coley.

The fish originally known as "Whiting" in English is Merlangius merlangus, in the family GADIDAE. That species inhabits the eastern Atlantic ocean. In the United States that fish is commonly known as the English Whiting.

Also in the US, the name "whiting" on its own is often used for various species of HAKE in the genus MERLUCCIUS (above, in this list).

In Canada, "whiting" is a name used for the Alaska Pollack, Theragra chalcogramma.

Coley is another name for Pollock, Polachius virens.

COD is generally sold filleted, but it can be purchased whole or in steaks. Highly versatile, it can be poached, baked, grilled (broiled), pan-fried, and deep-fried.
When buying a fresh cod fillet, one should make sure that the flakes of flesh are tightly packed. If they are opening enough to reveal the skin, the fish is past its best.

Salted and dried cod, prepared in countries bordering the North Sea (in Europe), is more common that the fresh fish in southern Europe and the Caribbean.
Fillets are usually sold with their skin still on because it protects the fish from drying out in the oven. However, the pinbones need to be removed.

Good substitutes for cod are other related fish such as pollock, haddock, hake, and whiting.

A book with interesting reading about cod is "Four Fish, The Future of the Last Wild Food", by Paul Greenberg, published in 2010. The four fish are: salmon, sea bass, cod, tuna.
Polar Cod ______ IW
Boreogadus saida
Cusk (or Torsk) ______ IW (FGCF:127)
Brosme brosme
(Range: Iceland to New Jersey)
Five-bearded Rockling ______ IW (in family LOTIDAE)
Ciliata mustela
Norway Rockling ______ IW (in family LOTIDAE)
Ciliata septentrionalis
Silvery Pout ______ IW
Gadiculus argenteus
Atlantic Cod (t3) ______ NH IW (FGCF:127) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Gadus morhua

The Atlantic Cod grows to 4.5 feet in length. The record weight in New Hampshire waters was 98 pounds 12 ounces in 1969.
Haddock (t3) ______ IW (FGCF:127) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
(Range: Iceland to New Jersey)

The record weight in New Hampshire waters was 10 pounds 11 ounces on May 26, 1988.
Whiting ______ IW
Merlangius merlangus
Blue Whiting ______ IW
Micromesistius poutassou
Atlantic Tomcod (ph) _______ (FGCF: 127)
Microgadus tomcod
(Range: Labrador to Virginia)

Above: a picture of an Atlantic Tomcod on an old postcard obtained
in the area of the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec.
Below: an old photograph of drying cod in that same area
Blue Ling ______ IW (in family LOTIDAE)
Molva dypterygia
Ling ______ IW (n family LOTIDAE)
Molva molva
"Codfish" ______ IW (in family LOTIDAE)
Onogadus (or now Gaidropsanus) argentatus
Atlantic Pollock ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pollachius pollachius
Pollock (or Saithe) ______ NH NJ IW (FGCF:127) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pollachius virens
(Range: Iceland and Greenland to North Carolina)

The Pollock grows to 4.2 feet in length. The record weight in New Hampshire waters was 47 pounds on July 1, 1981. In New Jersey waters was 46 pounds 7 ounces in 1975.
Norway Pout ______ IW
Trisopterus esmarki

TOADFISHES (Family Batrachoididae)
Oyster Toadfish ______ NC (FGCF:135) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Opsanus tau
Atlantic Midshipman ______ NC (FGCF:135)
Porichthys plectrodon

GOOSEFISHES (Family Lophiidae)

Some fish in the LOPHIUS genus are known as "MONKFISH".
In northwestern Europe, Lophius piscatonus and Lophius budegassa, and in northeastern North America, Lophius americanus, go by that name.

With a large head, and glossy, brown mottled skin, these grotesque fish have a distinctive appearance>

The "Monkfish", or Goosefish, is called the "poor man's lobster" due to its dense texture and somewhat lobster-like taste. And with yet another name for the fish is also known as the "anglerfish".

The "Monkfish" is generally sold with its head removed. The cheeks are sold separately. The tail can be purchased on the bone or filleted. If the fillets have not been skinned, the skin should be peeled from the top end of the tail.
A tough transparent membrane lies underneath and it also needs to be trimmed away with a knife, or it will discolor and shrink during cooking.
Occasionally, monkfish liver and roe are available, but it is not recommended to eat the liver as it can contain high levels of toxins such as PCBs and dioxins.

The flavorsome flesh of the Monkfish has compact fibers and is very tender. With its meaty flesh similar to lobster, monkfish is excellent pan-fried, stir-fried, and roasted.
During cooking, the volume of Monkfish decreases considerably, so this must be taken into account when calculating quantities.
Goosefish ______ NC (FGCF:135)
Lophius americanus
Reticulate Goosefish ______
Lophius reticulatus
Blackfin Goosefish ______
Lophius gastrophysus

FROGFISHES (Family Antennariidae)
Ocellated Frogfish ______ NC (FGCF:137)
Antennarius ocellatus
Singlespot Frogfish ______ NC (FGCF:137)
Antennarius radiosus
Striated Frogfish ______ NC (FGCF:137) (also called Split-lure Frogfish)
Antennarius striatus
Sargassum Fish (ph) (*) ______ NC(p) (FGCF:137) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Histrio histrio

The Sargassum Fish grows to 7.8 inches in length.

Histrio histrio has been among the sealife seen in sargassum in the Gulf Stream during FONT North Carolina pelagic trips.

Above & below: Sargassum Fish
Below showing how it blends in with the sargassum.
This fish in the photo is swimming toward you.

MULLETS (Family Mugilidae)
Striped Mullet ______ NC (FGCF:143) (also called the Gray Mullet) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Mugil cephalus

Beautiful, sleek, silver-gray and densely covered in scales, the STRIPED MULLET has a low-rated reputation for its earthy flavor.
When buying it, one should look for very fresh fish that has bright eyes, red gills and gleaming scales. It is usually sold whole. but one can ask that it be trimmed, scaled, and cleaned.
The skin is generally left on fillets to protect the delicate flesh during cooking.

STRIPED MULLET is usually roasted or grilled (broiled) whole, but it is also good poached.
If the fish is cooked whole, it is good to slash both sides part way through to the bone.
The fillets can be quite thick, allowing the heat to penetrate to the center without overcooking the rest of the fish.
To reduce the muddy flavor, it is good to marinate the fish in lemon juice, wine, or another acidulated liquid for about 30 minutes.

Regarding the non-related RED MULLET: Its common name notwithstanding, the Red Mullet of Europe and the Mediterranean, Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus, belong to the GOATFISH FAMILY, MULLIDAE (later in this list), and are not even closely related to other species also called "mullets".
White Mullet ______ NC (FGCF:143)
Mugil curema

NEW WORLD SILVERSIDES (Family Atherinopsidae)

''WHITEBAIT" is a collective term for immature "fry fish", typically between 25 and 50 millimeters long. Such young fish often travel together in schools along the coast, and move into estuaries where they can be easily caught with fine meshed fishing nets.
Whitebaiting is the activity of catching whitebait.

Whitebait are tender and edible, and regarded as a "delicacy". The entire fish is eaten including the head, fins, and gut.
Some species make better eating than others, and the particular species that are marketed as "whitebait" varies in different parts of the world.

In the eastern United States, the term "whitebait" is used for silversides and sand-eels in the family AMMODYTES (later in this list). They would be cooked in a way similar to other "whitebait".

Elsewhere in the world, "whitebait" consists of immature fry of many important food species such as herring, sprat, sardines, mackerel, bass, and many others.
Thus, "whitebait" is NOT an ecologically viable foodstuff and in several countries there are strict controls on such harvesting. As the fish are immature, they would not have a chance to spawn. Because these fish are relentlessly harvested, the survival of the various species is threatened.

Alternatives would be other small but more mature fish, such as sardines, sprats, or smelt.
Rough Silverside ______ NC (FGCF:145)
Membras martinica
Inland Silverside ______ NC (FGCF:145)
Menidia beryllina
Atlantic Silverside ______ NC (FGCF:145) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Menidia menidia

The Atlantic Silverside is preyed upon by Striped Bass and Bluefish.
Waccamaw Silverside ______ NC (also known as Skipjack Minnow, Glass Minnow)
Menidia extensa

Menidia extensa is known only from Lake Waccamaw and the upper Waccamaw River in Columbus County, North Carolina. The species is classified as threatened both in North Carolina and federally.

FLYING FISHES (Family Exocoetidae)
Margined Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:147)
Cheilopogon cyanopterus

The Margined Flying Fish is attracted to lights at night.
Bandwing Flying Fish (*) ______ NC (FGCF:147) (species described by Linnaeus in 1771)
Cheilopogon exsiliens

The Bandwing Flying Fish occurs in the Gulf Stream.
Atlantic Flying Fish (ph) (*) ______ NC (FGCF:147)
Cheilopogon melanurus

Atlantic Flying Fish leap and glide across the surface of the water.

Am Atlantic Flying Fish off the North Carolina coast

This fish has often been seen in large numbers during FONT pelagic trips,
offshore from eastern North America in North Carolina.
Oceanic Two-wing Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:147)
Exocoetus obtusirostris
Tropical Two-wing Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:149) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Exocoetus volitans
Fourwing Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:149)
Hirundichthys affinis
Blackwing Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:149)
Hirundichthys rondeletii
(Massachusetts to Florida)
Smallwing Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:149) (species described in 1935)
Oxyporhamphus micropterus similis
Sailfin Flying Fish ______ NC (FGCF:149)
Parexocoetus hillianus (formerly Parexocoetus brachypterus)

HALFBEAKS (Family Hemiramphidae)
Flying Halfbeak ______ NC (FGCF:151)
Euleptorhamphus velox
Balao ______ NC (FGCF:151)
Hemiramphus balao
Ballyhoo ______ NC (FGCF:151) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Hemiramphus brasiliensis
False Silverstripe Halfbeak ______ NC (FGCF:151)
Hyporhamphus meeki

NEEDLEFISHES (Family Belonidae)
Flat Needlefish ______ NC (FGCF:153)
Ablennes hians
Keeltrail Needlefish ______ NC (FGCF:153)
Platybelone argalus
Atlantic Needlefish ______ NC (FGCF:153)
Strongylura marina
Atlantic Agujon ______ NC (FGCF:153)
Tylosurus acus
Houndfish ______ NC (FGCF:153)
Tylosurus crocodilus

SAURIES (Family Scomberesocidae)
Atlantic Saury ______ NC (FGCF:155)
Scomberesox saurus

TOPMINNOWS (Family Fundulidae)
Mummichog ______ NC (FGCF:155) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Fundulus heteroclitus
Spotfin Killifish ______ MD(rare) NC (FGCF:157)
Fundulus luciae
Striped Killifish ______ NC (FGCF:157)
Fundulus majalis
Rainwater Killifish ______ NC (FGCF:159)
Lucania parva

PUPFISHES (Family Cyprinodontidae)
Sheepshead Minnow ______ NC (FGCF:159)
Cyprinodon variegatus

LIVEBEAERS (Family Poeciliidae)
Eastern Mosquitofish ______ NC (FGCF:161)
Gambusia holbrooki
Least Killifish ______ (FGCF:161)
Heterandria formosa
(South Carolina to Florida)
Sailfin Molly (ph) ______ NC (FGCF:161)
Poecilia latipinna

Sailfin Molly

ROUGHIES (Family Trachichthyidae)
Big Roughy ______ NC (FGCF:163)
Gephyroberyx darwinii
Silver Roughy ______ NC (FGCF:163)
Hoplostethus mediterraneus

ALFONSINOS (Family Berycidae)
Splendid Alfonsino ______ NC (FGCF:163)
Beryx splendens

SQUIRRELFISH (Family Holocentridae)
Spinycheek Soldierfish ______ (FGCF:163)
Corniger spinosus
Squirrelfish ______ NC (FGCF:163)
Holocentrus adscensionis
Longspine Squirrelfish ______ NC (FGCF:165)
Holocentrus rufus
(North Carolina to Florida)
Blackbar Soldierfish ______ NC (FGCF:165)
Myripristis jacobus
Bigeye Soldierfish ______ NC (FGCF:165)
Ostichthys trachypoma
Deepwater Squirrelfish ______ NC (FGCF:167)
Sargocentron bullisi

TINSELFISHES (Family Grammicolepididae)
Thorny Tinselfish ______ NC (FGCF:167)
Grammicolepis brachiusculus
Spotted Tinselfish ______ NC (FGCF:167)
Xenolepidichthys dalgleishi

DORIES (Family Zeidae)
Red Dory ______ (FGCF:169)
Cyttopsis rosea
Buckler Dory ______ NC (FGCF:169)
Zenopsis conchifera

STICKLEBACKS (Family Gasterosteidae)
Fourspine Stickleback ______ (FGCF:169)
Apeltes quadracus
(Newfoundland to Virginia)
Threespine Stickleback ______ MA(rare) IW (FGCF:169) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Gasterosteus aculeatus
(Range: Baffin Island in northern Canada and Iceland south to North Carolina)

The Threespine Stickleback has been classified as threatened in Massachusetts.
Black-spotted Stickleback ______ (FGCF:169)
Gasterosteus wheatlandi
(Range: Newfoundland to New York)
Ninespine Stickleback ______ (FGCF:169) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pungitius pungitius
(Range: Baffin Island in northern Canada to New Jersey)

SEAHORSES (in the Family Syngnathidae, along with PIPEFISHES)
Longsnout Seahorse (*) ______ NC (p) (FGCF:171)
Hippocampus reidi
Lined Seahorse (ph) ______ NC (FGCF:171)
Hippocampus erectus
Pipehorse ______ NC (FGCF:171)
Amphelikturus dendriticus (formerly Acentronura dendritica)

The Pipehorse grows to 3 inches in length.

Pipehorse
Fringed Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:171)
Anarchopterus criniger
Pugnose Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:173)
Bryx dunckeri
Whitenose Pipefish ______ (FGCF:173)
Cosmocampus albirostris
Shortfin Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:173)
Cosmocampus elucens
Snake Pipefish ______ IW
Entelurus aequoreus
Opossum Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:173)
Microphis brachyurus lineatus
Dusky Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:173)
Syngnathus floridae
Sargassum Pipefish (*) ______ NC (FGCF:175) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Syngnathus pelagicus

The Sargassum Pipefish grows to 8 inches in length.

Syngnathus pelagicus has been among the sealife seen in sargassum in the Gulf Stream
during FONT North Carolina pelagic trips.

Sargassum Pipefish
Chain Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:175)
Syngnathus louisianae
Northern Pipefish ______ NC (FGCF:175)
Syngnathus fuscus

CORONETFISHES (Family Fistulariidae)
Red Coronetfish ______ NC (FGCF:177)
Fistularia petimba
Blue-spotted Coronetfish ______ NC (FGCF:177) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Fisularia tabacaria

SNIPEFISHES (Family Macroramphosidae)
Longspine Snipefish ______ NC (FGCF:177) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Macroramphosus scolapax

The Longspine Snipefish grows up to 7 inches in length.

Longspine Snipefish

SCORPIONFISHES (Family Scorpaenidae)

There are several different species of SCORPIONFISHES, which are also known by their French name, Rascasse.
They are small, rotund, spiny, and with large eyes. Easily recognized, these fish require careful handling because the sharp spines can inflict a painful wound.
The Scorpionfish are closely related to the Redfish group that includes rockfish and "Ocean Perch" found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
In the United States, Scorpionfish are not often found in markets, but substitutes can be "monkfish", lobster, striped bass, and members of the cod family.

Smaller specimens (of scorpionfish) are usually sold whole, while larger fish are sold as skinned fillets because the spines are sharp. The many pinbones near the thicker end of the fillet need to be extracted.
When buying, one should choose a fish that is vibrant in appearance, and remember that the bones and head comprise more than half of the fish's weight.

Their delicate, white, flaky flesh can be prepared in a number of ways such as pan-frying, poaching, and baking, but traditionally in places such as Italy, it is mainly used in soups and stews. It goes well with delicate herbs and citrus flavors.

Alternative choices include members of the cod and sea robin families.
Blackbelly Rosefish ______ NC IW (FGCF:179)
Helicolenus dactylopterus

An alternate name for Helicolenus dactylopterus is "Blue-mouth".
Spinycheek Scorpionfish ______ NC (FGCF:179) (species described in 1935)
Neomerinthe hemingwayi
Longspine Scorpionfish ______ (FGCF:179)
Pontinus longipennis
Highfin Scorpionfish ______ NC (FGCF:179)
Pontinus rathbuni
Red Lionfish ______ NC (FGCF:179) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pterois volitans

The Red Lionfish is not native to the North Atlantic Ocean. It occurs naturally in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but now it can be found from New York to the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea. It is believed to have been introduced into Florida waters in the 1990s.
Goosehead Scorpionfish ______ NC (FGCF:181)
Scorpaena bergi
Barbfish ______ NC (FGCF:181)
Scorpaena brasiliensis
Spotted Scorpionfish ______ NC (FGCF:183)
Scorpaena plumieri
Deepreef scorpionfish ______ NC (FGCF:183)
Scorpaenodes tredecimspinosus
Acadian Redfish (t2) ______ (FGCF:183) (sold as "Ocean Perch")
Sebastes fasciatus
(Range: Atlantic Canada to New Jersey)
Atlantic Redfish ______ IW (also called "Rose Fish") (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Sebastes marinus
Beaked Redfish ______ IW
Sebastes mentella
Golden Redfish ______ (FGCF:183)
Sebastes norvegicus
(Range: in western North Atlantic south to Grand Banks)
Norway Redfish ______ IW (also called "Norway Haddock", although of course not haddock)
Sebastes viviparus

SEAROBINS (Family Triglidae)
Horned Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:185)
Bellator militaris
Grey Gurnard ______ IW
Eutrigla gurnardus
Spiny Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:185)
Prionotus alatus
Northern Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:185) (species described by Linnaeus in 1771)
Prionotus carolinus
(Range: Nova Scotia to Florida)
Striped Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:185) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Prionotus evolans
(Rare: Nova Scotia to Florida, rare north of Cape Cod)
Bandtail Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:185)
Prionotus ophryas
(Rare: Cape Hatteras to Florida)
Blue-spotted Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:187)
Prionotus roseus
Blackwing Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:187)
Prionotus rubio
Leopard Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:187)
Prionotus scitulus
Shortwing Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:187)
Prionotus stearnsi
Bighead Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:187)
Prionotus tribulus

ARMORED SEAROBINS (Family Peristedion)
Slender Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:189)
Peristedion gracile
Armored Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:189)
Peristedion miniatum
Rimspine Searobin ______ NC (FGCF:189) (species described in 1952)
Peristedion thompsoni

SCULPINS (Family Cottidae)
Atlantic Hookear Sculpin ______ IW (FGCF:189)
Artediellus atlanticus
(Range: Iceland and Greenland to Cape Cod)
Arctic Staghorn Sculpin ______ IW (FGCF:189)
Gymnocanthus tricuspis
(Range: Iceland south to Labrador and the Gulf of the St. Lawrence)
Twohorn Sculpin ______ IW
Icelus bicornis
Grubby ______ (FGCF:191)
Myoxocephalus aenaeus
(Range: Gulf of St. Lawrence to New Jersey)
Longhorn Sculpin ______ (FGCF:191)
Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus
(Range: Newfoundland to New Jersey)
Shorthorn Sculpin ______ IW (FGCF:191) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Myoxocephalus scorpius
(Greenland to New Jersey)
"Sea Scorpion" ______ IW
Taurulus bubalis
Norway Bullhead ______ IW
Taurulus lilljeborgi
Moustache Sculpin ______ IW (FGCF:191) (also called Mailed Sculpin)
Triglops murrayi
(Range: in the North Atlantic south to Cape Cod)

SEARAVENS (Family Hemitripteridae)
Sea Raven ______ (FGCF:191)
Hemitripterus americanus
(Range: Newfoundland to New Jersey)

POACHERS (Family Agonidae)
Alligatorfish ______ (FGCF:193)
Spidophoroides monopterygius
(Range: Greenland to Cape Cod)

FATHEAD SCULPINS (Family Psychrolutidae)

Those in this group were previously in the family COTTUNCULIDAE
Cottunculus subspinosus ______ IW
Polar Sculpin ______ IW (FGCF:193)
Cottunculus microps
(Range: Iceland and Greenland to New Jersey)
Pallid Sculpin ______ IW
Cottunculus thomsoni

LUMPFISHES (Family Cyclopteridae)
Lumpfish ______ IW (FGCF:193) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Cyclopterus lumpus
(Range: Iceland and Greenland to New Jersey)
Atlantic Spiny Lumpsucker ______ IW (FGCF:193)
Eumicrotremus spinosus
(Range: Iceland and Greenland to the Gulf of Maine)

SNAILFISHES (Liparidae)
Careproctus reinhardti ______ IW
Atlantic Seasnail ______ (FGCF:193)
Liparis atlanticus
(Ungava Bay, Quebec to New York)
Gulf Seasnail ______ (FGCF:195) (species described in 1976)
Liparis coheni
(Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Maine)
Liparis fabrici ______ IW
Inquiline Snailfish ______ (FGCF:195) (species described in 1973)
Liparis inquilinus
(Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina)
Common Seasnail ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Liparis liparis ______
Montagu's Seasnail ______ IW
Liparis montagui
Black Seasnail ______ IW
Paraliparis bathybius
Threadfin Seasnail ______ IW
Rhodichthys regina

The Threadfin Seasnail occurs in the Arctic Ocean and the northern Atlantic Ocean, at depths from 3,500 feet to 7,760 feet.
It is 12 inches in length.
Rhodichthys regina is the only known member of its genus.

SNOOKS (Family Centropomidae)
Common Snook ______ NC (FGCF:197)
Centropomus undecimalis

TEMPERATE BASSES (Family Moronidae)

REGARDING WHAT'S KNOWN AS "SEA BASS":

The European fish known as the SEA BASS, Dicentrarchus labrax, is in this family MORONIDAE, as is the American STRIPED BASS, Morone saxatilis, that is caught wild in the western Atlantic Ocean.

These fish have a dense covering of small scales, a gleaming silver belly, and a well-deserved reputation for is white, lean and delicate flesh.

Fish in MORONIDAE are often compared to SEA BREAM in texture and flavor.

Another "Sea Bass" off eastern North America is the BLACK SEA BASS, Centropristis striata, in the family SERRANIDAE (below).

"SEA BASS" is sold both filleted and whole. If it has been filleted, it is already scaled, so it is usually unnecessary to remove the skin, although of course if can be if preferred.
With a whole sea bass, the sharp spines on the fins along the back must be trimmed and the fish should be scaled and cleaned with the gills removed.

With its white, lean and delicate flesh, "SEA BASS" can be pan-fried, grilled (broiled), roasted or wrapped in a parcel or package before baking or cooking on the barbecue.

A book with interesting reading about "sea bass" is "Four Fish, the Future of the Last Wild Food", by Paul Greenberg, published in 2010. The four fish are: salmon, "sea bass", cod, tuna.
European Sea Bass ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Dicentrarchus labrax
White Perch ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:197)
Morone americana

The White Perch grows up to 19 inches in length, but more commonly is from 7 to 10 inches. The record weight in Maryland waters was 2 pounds 10 ounces on May 18, 1979. In New Jersey waters 2 pounds 12 ounces in 1998.
Striped Bass ______ MD NC NH NJ (FGCF:197)
Morone saxatilis

The Striped Bass grows up to 6 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 67 pounds 8 ounces on May 13, 1995. In New Hampshire waters 60 pounds on June 26, 1980. In New Jersey waters 78 pounds 8 ounces in 1982.

WRECKFISHES (Family Polyprionidae)
Atlantic Wreckfish ______ NC IW (FGCF:197) (was in the family SERRANIDAE)
Polyprion americanus

The Wreckfish grows up to 6.5 feet in length.

SEA BASSES (Family Serranidae)
Yellowfin Bass ______ NC (FGCF:199) (species described in 1933)
Anthias nicholsi
Threadnose Bass ______ (FGCF:199)
Anthias tenuis
Bank Sea Bass ______ NC (FGCF:199)
Centropristis ocyurus
(Range: from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina south to the Florida Keys)
Rock Sea Bass ______ NC (FGCF:199) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Centropristis philadelphica
Black Sea Bass ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:201) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Centropristis striata

The Black Sea Bass grows up to 2 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 8 pounds on June 1, 1978. In New Jersey waters 8 pounds 2 ounces in 1982 & 1984.
Graysby ______ NC (FGCF:201)
Cephalopholis cruentata
Coney ______ (FGCF:201) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Cephalopholis fulva
(Range: from South Carolina to Florida)
Marbled Grouper (nt) ______ NC (FGCF:201)
Dermatolepis inermis
Sand Perch ______ NC (FGCF: 203) (also called Sand Seabass) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Diplectrum formosum

In the following genus EPINEPHELUS are the GROUPERS, among the most highly prized sea fish due because their white flesh is tasty and tender.
"GROUPERS" are found in seas around the world. This large grouping of fish (sorry for the pun) includes in North America:
the Red Grouper, Epinephelus morio (in this list),
the Yellowmouth Grouper, Mycteroperca interstitalis (in our list of Caribbean birds),
and the Spotted Cabrilla, Epinephelus analogus, (locally called the "Mexican Sea Bass", a fish in the Pacific from Mexico to Chile.

The diet of groupers is of smaller fish, and as a result, their flesh is firm, white and meaty with a sweet flavor.

The skin of groupers is thick and strong with a layer of fat lying directly underneath it. In preparing to eat the fish, that layer should be removed along with the skin by cutting into the flesh slightly.
If the fish is purchased whole, one can ask for it top be trimmed, deep-skinned and filleted rather than doing it at home.
Grouper are best cooked simply either by poaching (their stock is excellent) or baking.

As some GROUPERS are now endangered or threatened species, alternative choices could include members of the cod family, snapper, "sea bass", tilapia, catfish, Alaskan pollock, amberjack, and cobia.
Rock Hind (t1) ______ NC (FGCF:203) (also called Calico Grouper)
Epinephelus adscensionis
Speckled Hind (t1) ______ NC (FGCF:203) (also called Kitty Mitchell)
Epinephelus drummondhayi
Yellowedge Grouper (t3) ______ NC (FGCF:203)
Epinephelus flavolimbatus
Red Hind ______ NC (FGCF:203) (also called Strawberry Grouper) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Epinephelus guttatus
Red Grouper (nt) ______ NC (FGCF:205)
Epinephelus morio
Misty Grouper ______ NC (FGCF:205)
Epinephelus mystacinus
Warsaw Grouper (t1) ______ NC (FGCF:205)
Epinephelus (some say Hyporthodus) nigritus
Snowy Grouper (t3) ______ MD NC (FGCF:205)
Epinephelus niveatus

The Snowy Grouper grows up to 4 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 66 pounds on July 30, 2012.
Spanish Flag ______ NC (FGCF:207)
Gonioplectrus hispanus (the single member in its genus)
Streamer Bass ______ NC (FGCF:207)
Hemanthias aureorubens (was Prontogrammus aureorubens)
Longtail Bass ______ NC (FGCF:207) (species described in 1952)
Hemanthias leptus
Red Barbier ______ NC (FGCF:207)
Hemanthias vivanus
Wrasse Basslet ______ NC (FGCF:211) (species described in 1962)
Liopropoma eukrines
Gag ______ NC (FGCF:215)
Mycteroperca microlepis
Scamp ______ NC (FGCF:215)
Mycteroperca phenax
Yellowfin Grouper (nt) (ph) ______ NC (FGCF:215) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Mycteroperca venenosa

Yellowfin Grouper (with a Green Moray also in the photo)
Atlantic Creolefish ______ NC (FGCF:215)
Paranthias furcifer
Apricot Bass ______ NC (FGCF:217)
Plectranthias garrupellus
Roughtongue Bass ______ NC (FGCF:217)
Pronotogrammus martinicensis
White-spotted Soapfish ______ NC (FGCF:217)
Rypticus maculatus
School Bass ______ NC (FGCF:219) (species described in 1940)
Schultzea beta
Pygmy Sea Bass ______ NC (FGCF:219) (species described in 1952)
Serraniculus pumilio
Tattler ______ (FGCF:221)
Serranus phoebe
(South Carolina, Florida)
Belted Sandfish ______ NC (FGCF:221)
Serranus subligarius

JAWFISHES (Family Opistognathidae)
Moustache Jawfish ______ (FGCF:225)
Opistognathus lonchurus
Spotfin Jawfish ______ (FGCF:227) (species described in 1997)
Opistognathus robinsi

BIGEYES (Family Priacanthidae)
Bulleye ______ (FGCF:227)
Cookeolus japonicus
Glasseye Snapper (or Glasseye) ______ (FGCF:227)
Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (was Priacanthus cruentatus, and Cookeolus boops)
Bigeye ______ (FGCF:229)
Priacanthus arenatus
Short Bigeye ______ (FGCF:229)
Pristigenys alta

CARDINALFISHES (Family Apogonidae)
Flamefish ______ (FGCF:231)
Apogon maculatus
Twospot Cardinalfish ______ (FGCF:233)
Apogon pseudomaculatus

Twospot Cardinalfish
Bronze Cardinalfish ______ (FGCF:233)
Astrapogon alutus

TILEFISHES (Family Malacanthidae)
Goldface Tilefish ______ (FGCF:237)
Caulolatilus chrysops
Blackline Tilefish ______ (FGCF:237)
Caulolatilus cyanops
Blueline Tilefish ______ MD (FGCF:237)
Caulolatilus microps

The Blueline Tilefish grows up to 14 inches in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 20 pounds on September 12, 2012.
Tilefish ______ MD (FGCF:237) (also called Golden Tilefish)
Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

The Tilefish occurs on soft bottoms of the ocean, usually at depths of 265 to 1,770 feet. It constructs burrows in bottom substate.

The Tilefish grows up to 3.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters is 62 pounds on October 22, 2009.

Four fish have been found by the Food & Drug Administration of the US government to often have mercury levels about 1 part per million (ppm): King Mackerel, shark, Swordfish, and Tilefish.
These species accumulate mercury as they grow larger because they consume large amounts of small fish.
All four species just noted combined add up to a very small amount (about 1 per cent) of the fish Americans eat. The average mercury level in all the types of fish Americans eat is low - 0.086 ppm, weighted for consumption.
Sand Tilefish ______ (FGCF:237)
Malacanthus plumieri

BLUEFISHES (Family Pomatomidae)
Bluefish ______ MD NC NH NJ (FGCF:239) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Pomatomus saltatrix

The Bluefish grows up to 3.8 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters is 23 pounds, 8 ounces on October 30, 1974. In New Hampshire waters 21 pounds on August 23, 1975. In New Jersey waters 27 pounds 1 ounce in 1997.

DOLPHINFISHES (Family Coryphaenidae)
Dolphinfish (*) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:239) (other names are Mahi-mahi & Dorado) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Coryphaena hippurus

The Dolphinfish grows to 6.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 67 pounds, 8 ounces on July 21, 1985. In New Jersey waters 63 pounds 3 ounces in 1974.

Dolphinfish
Pompano Dolphinfish ______ (FGCF:239) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Coryphaena equiselis

The Pompano Dolphinfish schools with and is often misidentified as the Dolphinfish.

The Pompano Dolphinfish grows to 2.5 feet in length.

COBIA (Family Rachycentridae)
Cobia ______ MD NJ (FGCF:239) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Rachycentron canadum

The Cobia grows up to 6.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 97 pounds 12 ounces on July 25, 2009, in the Chesapeake Bay. In New Jersey waters 87 pounds in 1999.

REMORAS (Family Echeneidae)
Common Remora (*) ______ IW (FGCF:241) (also called "Shark-sucker") (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Remora remora
Marlinsucker ______ (FGCF:241)
Remora osteochir

The Marlinsucker is associated with billfishes, particularly the White Marlin and Sailfish.
Spearfish Remora ______ (FGCF:241)
Remora brachyptera
Slender Sharksucker ______ (FGCF:241) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Echeneis naucrates
Whitefin Sharksucker ______ (FGCF:241)
Echeneis neucratoides

JACKS and POMPANOS (Family Carangidae)
African Pompano ______ (FGCF:243)
Alectris ciliaris
Yellow Jack ______ (FGCF:243)
Caranx bartholomaei
Blue Runner ______ (FGCF:243)
Caranx crysos

Juvenile Blue Runners are associated with Sargassum seaweed.
Crevalle Jack ______ (FGCF:243) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Caranx hippos
Horse-eye Jack ______ (FGCF:243)
Caranx latus
Black Jack ______ (FGCF:245)
Caranx lugubris
Bar Jack ______ (FGCF:245)
Caranx ruber
Atlantic Bumper ______ (FGCF:245) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Chloroscombrus chrysurus
Mackerel Scad ______ (FGCF:245)
Descapterus macarellus
Round Scad ______ (FGCF:245) (also called Cigarfish)
Decapterus punctatus
Redtail Scad ______ (FGCF:247) (species described in 1968)
Decapterus rabl
Rainbow Runner ______ (FGCF:247)
Elagatis bipinnulata
Bluntnose Jack ______ (FGCF:247)
Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus
Pilotfish (ph) ______ (FGCF:247) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Naucrates ductor

Pilot Fish
Leatherjack ______ (FGCF:247)
Oligoplites saurus
White Trevally ______ (FGCF:249)
Pseudocaranx (or Caranx) dentex
Bigeye Scad ______ (FGCF:249)
Selar crumenophthalmus
Atlantic Moonfish ______ (FGCF:249)
Selene setapinnis
Lookdown ______ (FGCF:249) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Selene vomer

A Lookdown looking down
Greater Amberjack ______ NJ (FGCF:249)
Seriola dumerili

The Greater Amberjack grows up to 5 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 85 pounds in 1993.
Lesser Amberjack ______ (FGCF:251)
Seriola fasciata
Almaco Jack ______ (FGCF:251)
Seriola rivoliana
Banded Rudderfish ______ (FGCF:251)
Seriola zonata
Florida Pompano ______ NC (FGCF:251) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Trachinolus carolinus
Permit ______ (FGCF:251) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Trachinolus falcatus
Palometa ______ (FGCF:253)
Trachinotus goodei
Rough Scad ______ (FGCF:253)
Trachurus lathami
Atlantic Horse Mackerel ______ IW (other names are Common Scad, or Saurel) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Trachurus trachurus
Cottonmouth Jack ______ (FGCF:253)
Uraspis secunda

POMFRETS (Family Bramidae)
Atlantic Pomfret ______ IW (FGCF:253) (another name is Ray's Bream)
Brama brama
Caribbean Pomfret ______ (FGCF:253) (species described in 1972)
Brama caribbea
Lowfin Pomfret ______ (FGCF:255)
Brama dussumieri
Atlantic Fanfish ______ IW (FGCF:255) (also called "Bream")
Pterycombus brama
Rough Pomfret ______ IW
Taractes asper

The Rough Pomfret is a widespread species, occurring in the North Atlantic Ocean from the Madeira Islands north to Iceland and northern Norway. It occurs in the North Pacific Ocean off Japan, Alaska, and California (USA). It also occurs in the Indian Ocean.
It is a highly migratory species, offshore in temperate, and sometimes warm waters.
Bigscale Pomfret ______ (FGCF:255)
Taratichthys longipennis

ROVERS (Family Emmelichthyidae)
Crimson Rover ______ (FGCF:255) (species described in 1954)
Erythrocles monodi

SNAPPERS (Family Lutjanidae)
Queen Snapper ______ (FGCF:257)
Etelis oculatus
Mutton Snapper ______ (FGCF:257)
Lutjanus analis
Schoolmaster ______ (FGCF:257)
Lutjanus apodus
Blackfin Snapper ______ (FGCF:257)
Lutjanus buccanella
Red Snapper ______ (FGCF:259)
Lutjanus campechanus
Cubera Snapper (t3) ______ (FGCF:259)
Lutjanus cyanopterus
Gray Snapper ______ (FGCF:259) (another name is Mangrove Snapper) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Lutjanus griseus
Dog Snapper ______ (FGCF:259)
Lutjanus jacu
Mahogany Snapper ______ (FGCF:259)
Lutjanus mahogoni
Lane Snapper ______ (FGCF:261) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Lutjanus synagris
Silk Snapper ______ (FGCF:261)
Lutjanus vivanus
Yellowtail Snapper (ph) ______ (FGCF:261)
Ocyurus chrysurus

Yellowtail Snapper
(photo courtesy of Diane Allison)
Wenchman ______ (FGCF:261)
Pristipomoides aquilonaris
Slender Wenchman ______ (FGCF:261) (species described in 1966)
Pristipomoides freemani
Vermilion Snapper ______ (FGCF:261)
Rhomboplites aurorubens

TRIPLETAILS (Family Lobotidae)
Atlantic Tripletail ______ (FGCF:263)
Lobotes surinamensis

MOJARRAS (Family Gerreidae)
Irish Pompano ______ (FGCF:263)
Diapterus auratus
Spotfin Mojarra ______ (FGCF:263)
Eucinostomus argenteus
Silver Jenny ______ (FGCF:263)
Eucinostomus gula
Tidewater Mojarra ______ (FGCF:263)
Eucinostomus harengulus
Striped Mojarra ______ (FGCF:265)
Eugerres plumieri

GRUNTS (Family Haemulidae)
Tomtate ______ (FGCF:267)
Haemulon aurolineatum
French Grunt (ph) ______ (FGCF:269)
Haemulon flavolineatum
Cottonwick ______ (FGCF:269)
Haemulon melanurum
White Grunt ______ (FGCF:271)
Haemulon plumierii
Blue-striped Grunt ______ (FGCF:271)
Haemulon sciurus
Pigfish ______ NC (FGCF:271) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Orthopistis chrysoptera

PORGIES (Family Sparidae)

Found in warm waters throughout the world, the large family SPRIDAE includes dentex, gilthead sea bream, and white sea bream, as well as in the United States: the Red Porgy, Sheepshead, and Scup (all of these American fish in the list below)
Each of these fish can used interchangeably in recipes.

The species vary in color, bur their general appearance is similar with a deep, rounded body, a slightly domed head and plate-like scales that should be removed before cooking.
They are conveniently available year-round and are most often sold whole or in fillets. Whole Sea Bream can be trimmed, scaled, cleaned, and the gills removed before filleting.

Their lean, firm flesh is highly prized and their delicately flavored cheeks (pearls) may be extracted if the fish is cooked whole.
The fish is suitable fro pan-frying, grilling (broiling), and baking in fillets or whole in a parcel or package, steaming or roasting.
A whole fish takes about 20 minutes to cook through, whereas fillets require less than 5 minutes each.

If sea bream is unavailable, suitable alternatives would be: sea bass, red mullet, gray (striped) mullet, black sea bass, and barramundi.
If a larger fish is required, it can be substituted with Red Snapper.
Sheepshead ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:273)
Archosargus probatocephalus

The Sheepshead grows up to 3 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 17.5 pounds on July 25, 2004. In New Jersey waters 14 pounds 1 ounce in 1995.
Sea Bream ______ (FGCF:273) (also known as the Western Atlantic Sea Bream) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Archosargus rhomboidalis
Jolthead Porgy ______ (FGCF:275)
Calamus bajonado
Saucereye Porgy ______ (FGCF:275)
Calamus calamus
Whitebone Porgy ______ (FGCF:275)
Calamus leucosteus
Knobbed Porgy ______ (FGCF:275)
Calamus nodosus
Spottail Pinfish ______ (FGCF:277)
Diplodus holbrookii
Pinfish ______ NC (FGCF:277) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Lagodon rhomboides
Blackspot Seabream ______ IW
Pagellus bogarareo
Red Porgy ______ (FGCF:277) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pagrus pagrus
Scup ______ (FGCF:279) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Stenotomus chrysops

THREADFINS (Family Polynemidae)
Atlantic Threadfin ______ (FGCF:279)
Polydactylus octonemus
Barbu ______ (FGCF:279) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Polydactylus virginicus

DRUMS (Family Sciaenidae)
Meagre ______ IW
Argyrosomus regius
Silver Perch ______ (FGCF:281) (another name is the Silver Croaker)
Bairdiella chrysoura
Spotted Seatrout ______ MD NJ (FGCF:281)
Cynoscion nebulosus

The Spotted Seatrout grows up to 17.2 inches in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 13 pounds on August 21, 1973. In New Jersey waters 11 pounds 2 ounces in 1974.
Silver Seatrout ______ NC (FGCF:283) (another name is Silver Weakfish)
Cynoscion nothus
Weakfish ______ MD NJ (FGCF:283) (another name is Gray Weakfish)
Cynoscion regalis

The Weakfish grows up to 3 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 16 pounds on September 11, 1976. In New Jersey waters 18 pounds 8 ounces in 1986.
Jackknife Fish (ph) ______ (FGCF:283) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Equetus lanceolatus

Jackknife Fish
Banded Drum ______ (FGCF:283)
Larimus fasciatus
Northern Kingfish ______ NC NJ (FGCF:285) (also known as Whiting)
Menticirrhus saxatilis

The Northern Kingfish grows up to 18 inches in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 2 pounds 8 ounces in 2004 in Barnegat Bay.
Southern Kingfish ______ NC (FGCF:285) (another name is Southern Kingcroaker) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Menticirrhus americanus
Gulf Kingfish ______ (FGCF:285) (other names are Gulf Whiting, Sea Mullet)
Menticirrhus littoralis
Atlantic Croaker ______ NC NJ (FGCF:285) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Micropogonias undulatus

The Atlantic Croaker grows up to 19.7 inches in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 5 pounds 8 ounces in 1981.
Spot ______ NC (FGCF:285)
Leiostomus xanthurus
High-bat ______ (FGCF:287)
Pareques acuminatus
Blackbar Drum ______ (FGCF:287) (another name is Gulf Cubbyu) (species described in 1988)
Pareques iwamotoi
Cubbyu ______ (FGCF:287)
Pareques umbrosus
Black Drum (t2) ______ MD NJ (FGCF:287) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Pogonias cromis

The Black Drum grows up to 5.6 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 103 pounds on September 23, 1973. In New Jersey waters 105 pounds in 1995.
Red Drum ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:289) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Sciaenops ocellatus

Some other names of the Red Drum include: Redfish, Channel Bass, Puppy Drum.

The Red Drum grows up to a length of 5.2 feet. The record weight in Maryland waters was 74 pounds 6 ounces on May 15, 1977. In New Jersey waters 55 pounds in 1985.
Star Drum ______ (FGCF:289) (also called American Star Drum)
Stellifer lanceolatus
Sand Drum ______ (FGCF:289)
Umbrina coroides

GOATFISHES (Family Mullidae)

This family includes the popular Red Mullet species of Europe and the Mediterranean: Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus.
Red Goatfish ______ (FGCF:289)
Mullus auratus
Spotted Goatfish ______ (FGCF:291)
Pseudupeneus maculatus
Dwarf Goatfish ______ (FGCF:291)
Upeneus parvus

SEA CHUBS (Family Kyphosidae)
Yellow Chub ______ (FGCF:291)
Kyphosus incisor
Bermuda Chub ______ (FGCF:291) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Kyphosus sectator

BUTTERFLYFISHES (Family Chaetodontidae)
Foureye Butterflyfish ______ (FGCF:293) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Chaetodon cupistratus
Spotfin Butterflyfish ______ (FGCF:293)
Chaetodon ocellatus
Reef Butterflyfish ______ (FGCF:293)
Chaetodon sedentarius
Banded Butterflyfish ______ (FGCF:293) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Chaetodon striatus

ANGELFISHES (Family Pomacanthidae)
Gray Angelfish (ph) ______ (FGCF:297) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Pomacanthus arcuatus
French Angelfish ______ (FGCF:297)
Pomacanthus paru

DAMSELFISHES (Family Pomacentridae)
Sergeant Major ______ (FGCF:299) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Abudefduf saxatilis
Purple Reeffish ______ (FGCF:301)
Chromis scotti
Bicolor Damselfish ______ (FGCF:303)
Stegastes partitus
Threespot Damselfish ______ (FGCF:303)
Stegastes planifrons
Cocoa Damselfish ______ (FGCF:303)
Stegastes variabilis

WRASSES (Family Labridae)
Spotfin Hogfish ______ (FGCF:305)
Bodianus pulchellus
Spanish Hogfish ______ (FGCF:305) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Bodianus rufus
Greenband Wrasse ______ (FGCF:307) (species described in 1932)
Halichoeres bathyphilus
Slippery Dick ______ (FGCF:307)
Halichoeres bivittatus
Painted Wrasse ______ (FGCF:307)
Halichoeres caudalis
Yellowcheek Wrasse ______ (FGCF:307)
Halichoeres cyanocephalus
Clown Wrasse ______ (FGCF:309)
Halichoeres maculipinna
Puddingwife (ph) ______ (FGCF:309) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Halichoeres radiatus

Puddingwife
Hogfish (t3) ______ (FGCF:311)
Lachnolaimus maximus
Tautog (t3) ______ MD NH NJ (FGCF:311) (another name is "Blackfish") (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Tautoga onitis

The Tautog grows up to 3 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 23 pounds on January 1, 2012. In New Hampshire waters 23 pounds 12 ounces on June 16, 1999. In New Jersey waters 25 pounds in 1998.
Cunner ______ NJ (FGCF:311)
Tautogolabrus adspersus
(Labrador to Virginia)

The Cunner grows up to 15 inches in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 1 pound 10 ounces in 1993.
Pearly Razorfish ______ (FGCF:313) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Xyrichtys novacula

SAND LANCES, or SAND-EELS (Family Ammodytidae)

SAND EEL is a common name used in Europe for a number of species of fish, mostly in the genera: AMMODYTES, GYMNAMMODYTES, and HYPEROPLUS, all in the family AMMODYTIDAE.
Some of the species are found off the western coasts of Europe from Scotland to Spain, and in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.
Some other species in the above genera, found in oceans other than the European North Atlantic, are not usually called Sand Eels, but instead Sand Lance, as they are called in North America.
Sand Eels are not related to the true eels (earlier in this list).

Sand Eels are an important food source for seabirds, including puffins and kittiwakes.
American Sand Lance ______ (FGCF:323)
Ammodytes americanus
(Range: Labrador to Virginia, more rarely to North Carolina)

The bird, the Atlantic Puffin, in the northwest Atlantic Ocean
feeds on both the American and Northern Sand Lances
Northern Sand Lance ______
Ammodytes dubius
(Range: Greenland south, straying to North Carolina)
Raitt's Sand-eel ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Ammodytes marinus
Lesser Sand-eel ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Ammodytes tobianus
Great Sand-eel ______ IW
Hyperoplus lanceolatus

STARGAZERS (Family Uranoscopidae)
Northern Stargazer ______ NJ (FGCF:325)
Astroscopus guttatus

The Northern Stargazer grows up to 22 inches in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters is 13 pounds in 2000.
Southern Stargazer ______ NC (FGCF:325)
Astroscopus y-graecum
Freckled Stargazer ______ (FGCF:325)
Gnathagnus egregius
(Georgia to Florida)
Lancer Stargazer ______ (FGCF:325)
Kathetostoma albigutta

SAND STARGAZERS (Family Dactyloscopidae)
Speckled Stargazer ______ (FGCF:327)
Dactyloscopus moorei
Masked Stargazer ______ (FGCF:329) (species described in 1982)
Gillellus healae

CLINGFISHES (Family Gobiesocidae)
Skilletfish ______ (FGCF:349)
Gobiesox strumosus

SPADEFISHES (Family Ephippidae)
Atlantic Spadefish (ph) ______ MD NJ (FGCF:371)
Chaetodipterus faber

The Atlantic Spadefish grows up to 3 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 11 pounds 6 ounces on September 2, 2004. In New Jersey waters 11 pounds 6 ounces in 1998.

Atlantic Spadefish

LOUVAR (Family Luvaridae)
Louvar ______ (FGCF:373)
Luvarus imperialis

SURGEONFISHES (Family Acanthuridae)
Ocean Surgeon ______ (FGCF:373)
Acanthurus bahianus
Doctorfish (ph) ______ (FGCF:373)
Acanthurus chivurgus

Doctorfish
Blue Tang ______ (FGCF:373)
Acanthurus coeruleus

BARRACUDAS (Family Sphyraenidae)
Great Barracuda ______ NC NJ (FGCF:375)
Sphyraena barracuda
(Massachusetts to Florida)

The Great Barracuda grows up to 10 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 27 pounds 8 ounces in 1991.
Northern Sennet ______ (FGCF:375)
Sphyraena borealis
(Nova Scotia to Florida)
Guaguanche ______ (FGCF:375)
Sphyraena guachancho
(Massachusetts, where rare, to Florida)

SNAKE MACKERELS (Family Gempylidae)
Snake Mackerel ______ (FGCF:375)
Gempylus serpens
Escolar ______ (FGCF:377)
Lepidocybium flavobrunneum
Black Snake Mackerel ______ (FGCF:377)
Nealotus tripes
Black Gemfish ______ IW (FGCF:377)
Nesiarchus nasutus
Roudi Escolar ______ (FGCF:377)
Promethichthys prometheus
Oilfish ______ (FGCF: 377)
Ruvettus pretiosus

TUNAS & MACKERELS (Family Scombridae)

A book with interesting reading about tunas is "Four Fish, the Future of the Last Wild Food", by Paul Greenberg, published in 2010. The four fish are: salmon, sea bass, cod, tuna.

Tuna fishing for human consumption has been highly profitable because the fish are greatly appreciated and demand high.
But Bluefin Tuna is now endangered and should be avoided.
Yellowfin Tuna is considered sustainable . Both bonito and mackerel (below) make good alternatives, as smaller members of the same family.
The catching of tuna with a "pole and line" is more sustainable, as the process is harmless to other sea life, that unfortunately become victims during tuna fishing with nets.

Some tuna grow to a considerable size (as noted below). And so it is sold commercially as whole fish, mostly filleted into loins and then cut into steaks for sale to the public. Usually sold skinned and boneless, tuna requires no preparation.

A fresh tuna is best simply char-grilled (charbroiled) or pan-fried as direct contact with heat tends to brown the flesh and give a more appetizing appearance. Canned tuna is common many places.

In Japan, raw tuna is included in meals as sushi and sashimi, from various species including Bluefin Tuna.
Even though Japan seems far away from eastern North America, a considerable amount of tuna caught in the North Atlantic is flown to Japan soon after being caught.
Albacore ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:383)
Thunnus alalunga

The Albacore grows up to 4.4 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 74 pounds on July 17, 2004. In New Jersey waters 77 pounds 15 ounces in 1984.
Yellowfin Tuna (*) ______ MD NC NJ (p) (FGCF:383)
Thunnus albacares

The Yellowfin Tuna grows up to 7.2 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 236.5 pounds on September 22, 2002. In New Jersey waters 290 pounds in 1980.
Blackfin Tuna ______ MD NC (FGCF:383)
Thunnus atlanticus

The Blackfin Tuna grows to 3.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 32 pounds on September 20, 1998.
Bigeye Tuna (t3) ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:385)
Thunnus obesus

The Bigeye Tuna grows to 8.5 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 375 pounds on August 26, 1977. In New Jersey waters 364 pounds 14 ounces in 1984.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (t2) ______ MD NC NH NJ (FGCF:385) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Thunnus thynnus

The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna grows up to 11 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 625 pounds on August 3, 1975. In New Hampshire waters 844 pounds on September 13, 1997. In New Jersey waters 1030 pounds in 1981.
Skipjack Tuna (*) ______ DE NC NJ (p) (FGCF:381) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Katsuwonus pelamis

The Skipjack Tuna grows to 3.8 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 13 pounds 4 ounces in 1999.
Bullet Mackerel ______ NC (FGCF:379) (also called Bullet Tuna)
Auxis rochei
Frigate Mackerel ______ NC (FGCF:379) (also called Frigate Tuna)
Auxis thazard
Little Tunny ______ NC NJ (FGCF:379)
Euthynnus alletteratus

The Little Tunny grows to 3.5 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 24 pounds 15 ounces in 1977.
Atlantic Mackerel (*) ______ NC NJ (p) IW (FGCF:381) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Scomber scombrus
(Labrador to North Carolina)

The Atlantic Mackerel grows to 2 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 4 pounds 1 ounce in 1983.

The Mackerel, Scomber scombrus, has a streamlined, bullet-shaped body, and an iridescent shine and rainbow hue along its flanks.

Like tuna, mackerel is caught in large shoals in North Atlantic waters. In the eastern United States, mackerel are commercially fished in southern New England and mid-Atlantic coastal waters and to the north in the Gulf of Maine.
There are sustainability concerns about fish caught by large trawlers.
Mackerel are available year-round, but they are at their best during the summer. They are to be avoided during the spring when the fish are producing roe and their flesh can then be disappointing.

Mackerel has a very nice delicate flavor and creamy texture when it is straight out of the water, As the fish loses its initial freshness, the flavor becomes stronger and more pronounced.
The fish is sold whole and as fillets. One buying a whole fish should be sure that the gills and the blood line (found running close to the backbone) are removed as they have a bitter taste that can taint the flavor of the fish. The fine skin is usually left on.

Mackerel is best grilled (broiled) or roasted. A single fillet requires less than 4 minutes cooking time under the grill (broiler) and, as it is quite thin, it doesn't require turning as it is cooked.
Rich and oily, mackerel is a natural partner to gooseberries, and it also teams up well with mint.
Atlantic Chub Mackerel ______ NC (FGCF:381)
Scomber colias
King Mackerel ______ MD NC NH NJ (FGCF:381)
Scomberomarus cavalla

The King Mackerel grows to 6.2 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 47 pounds on October 18, 1985. In New Hampshire waters 53 pounds on May 12, 1988. In New Jersey waters 54 pounds in 1998.

Four fish have been found by the Food & Drug Administration of the US government to often have mercury levels above 1 part per million (ppm): King Mackerel, shark, Swordfish, and Tilefish.
These species accumulate mercury as they grow older because they consume large amounts of small fish.
All of the fish just noted combined add up to a very small amount (about 1 per cent) of the fish Americans eat. The average mercury level in all the types of fish Americans eat is low - 0.086 ppm, weighted for consumption.
Spanish Mackerel ______ MD NC NJ (FGCF:383)
Scomberomarus maculatus

The Spanish Mackerel grows to 2.8 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 12.4 pounds on October 6, 2007. In New Jersey waters 9 pounds 12 ounces in 1990.
Cero ______ NC (FGCF:383)
Scomberomarus regalis
Wahoo (*) ______ MD NC NJ (p) (FGCF:379)
Acanthocybium solandri

The Wahoo grows up to 7.3 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 111 pounds on October 8, 2003. In New Jersey waters 123 pounds 12 ounces in 1992.
Atlantic Bonito ______ NC NJ (FGCF:381)
Sarda sarda

The Atlantic Bonito grows to 3.2 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 13 pounds 8 ounces in 1945.

BILLFISHES (Family Istiophoridae)
Sailfish (*) ______ NC NJ (p) (FGCF:385)
Istiophorus platypterus (formerly albicans)

The Sailfish grows up to 11 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 41 pounds in 1984.
Longbill Spearfish (*) ______ NC NJ (p) (FGCF:387)
Tetrapturus pfluegeri

The Longbill Spearfish grows up to 8.2 feet. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 42 pounds, in 1989 & 1997.
Roundscale Spearfish ______ NC (FGCF:387)
Tetrapturus georgii

The Roundscale Spearfish can be misidentified as the White Marlin.
White Marlin (*) ______ MD NC NJ (p) (FGCF:387)
Kajikia albidus

The White Marlin grows up to 9 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 135 pounds on August 29, 1980. In New Jersey waters 137 pounds 8 ounces in 1980.
Blue Marlin (*) ______ MD NC NJ (p) (FGCF:385)
Makaira nigricans

The Blue Marlin grows up to 14.7 feet in length. The record weight in Maryland waters was 1,062 pounds on August 7, 2009. In New Jersey waters 1,046 pounds in 1986. In New York waters 1,174 pounds on July 20, 1986.

SWORDFISH (Family Xiphiidae)
Swordfish (*) ______ NC NJ (p) IW (FGCF:385) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Xiphias gladius

The Swordfish grows up to 14.7 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 530 pounds in 1964.

The Swordfish is a dynamic, aggressive, and handsome fish. It is easily identified with its distinctive long "sword", dark back, and silvery flanks.
It is caught mostly in warmer oceanic waters around the globe. The Swordfish is highly valued and often expensive.

Due to its size, Swordfish is usually filleted into long loins for sale and then cut into steaks. The advantage of this is that there are no bones and usually no skin, and so it requires virtually no preparation. Smoked Swordfish is also available.

With a dense and meaty flesh, the flavor of the Swordfish is delicate, sweet, and ideal for a wide range of recipes, many of which are also suitable for fresh tuna.
Fresh swordfish is perfect for the barbeque and for pan-frying - a swordfish steak requires only 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
It is best accompanied by strongly aromatic herbs, such as oregano and basil, and works well with "salsa verde" (a Mexican green salsa), especially when gherkins, garlic and anchovy are added.

Having said all these positive things about Swordfish as food, there is unfortunately a negative note:
Four fish have been found by the Food & Drug Administration of the US government to often have mercury levels above 1 part per million (ppm): King Mackerel, shark, Swordfish, and Tilefish.
These species accumulate mercury as they grow larger because they consume amounts of small fish.
All of the fish just noted combined add up to a very small amount (about 1 per cent) of the fish Americans eat. The average mercury level in all the types of fish Americans eat is low - 0.086 ppm, weighted for consumption.

LEFT-EYE FLOUNDERS (Family Bothidae)
Eyed Flounder ______ (FGCF:407)
Bothus ocellatus
Twospot Flounder ______ (FGCF:407)
Bothus robinsi
Plate Fish ______ (another name is Peacock Flounder) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Bothus lunatus
Spiny Flounder ______ (FGCF:407) (species described in 1933)
Engyophrys senta
Deepwater Flounder ______ (FGCF:407)
Monolene sessilicauda

RIGHT-EYE FLOUNDERS (Family Pleuronectidae)
Witch Flounder ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Glyptocephalus cynoglossus
American Plaice ______ IW
Hippoglossoides platessoides
Hippoglossoides platessoides limandoides ______ IW
Atlantic Halibut (t2) ______ IW (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Hippoglossus hippoglossus

The Atlantic Halibut grows up to 8 feet in length.
Common Dab ______ IW
Limanda limanda
Yellowtail Flounder ______ (FGCF:405)
Limanda ferruginea
Lemon Sole ______ IW
Microstomus kitt
Plaice ______ IW
Pleuronectes platessa
Smooth Flounder ______ (FGCF:405)
Pleuronectes putnami
(Range: Labrador to Rhode Island)
Winter Flounder ______ NH NJ (FGCF:405)
Pseudopleuronectes americanus

The Winter Flounder grows up to 2 feet in length. The record weight in New Hampshire waters was 3 pounds 1 ounce July 7, 2010. In New Jersey waters 5 pounds 11 ounces in 1992.
Greenland Halibut ______ IW (FGCF:405) (another name is Greenland Turbot)
Reinhardtius hippoglossoides

The Greenland Halibut grows up to 4 feet in length.

SAND FLOUNDERS (Family Paralichthyidae)
Gulf Flounder ______ NC (FGCF:399)
Paralichthy albigutta
Summer Flounder ______ NC NJ (FGCF:401) (also called Fluke) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Paralichthys dentatus

The Summer Flounder, or Fluke, grows up to 3 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 19 pounds 12 ounces in 1953.
Southern Flounder ______ NC (FGCF:401)
Paralichthys lethostigma

PUFFERS (Family Tetraodontidae)
Goldface Toby ______ NC (FGCF:421)
Canthigaster jamestyleri
Sharpnose Puffer ______ (FGCF:421)
Canthigaster rostrater
Smooth Puffer ______ NJ (FGCF:421) (also called Blowfish) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
Lagocephalus laevigarus

Lagocephalus laevigarus, ranging from New England to Argentina, is not considered a common fish, and is rarely caught by hook and line.
As info, a state record in Texas is 10.75 pounds, caught in April 2001.
Not much is known about the life history of the species, but generally it inhabits inshore/nearshore areas over sandy or muddy bottoms. It feeds on other fish and shrimp.
Most puffers are toxic, containing a very potent neurotoxin that can be deadly, concentrated in the liver, skin, and gonads. It rarely seeps into the muscle however, but extreme care must be taken when cleaning the fish, and any fillets that could have been contaminated should immediately be discarded.

The Smooth Puffer (or Blowfish) grows up to 3.3 feet in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 9 pounds 10 ounces in 1992 in the Delaware Bay.
Northern Puffer ______ NC NJ (FGCF:421)
Sphoeroides maculatus

The Northern Puffer grows up to 10 inches in length. The record weight in New Jersey waters was 1 pound 14 ounces, in 1987 in the Delaware Bay.
Checkered Puffer (ph) ______ (FGCF:423) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Sphoeroides testudineus

Checkered Puffer
(photo by Marie Gardner)

PORCUPINE FISHES (Family Diodontidae)
Striped Burrfish ______ NC (FGCF:425)
Chilomycterus schoepfi
Balloonfish ______ (FGCF:427) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Diodon holocanthus
Porcupinefish (ph) ______ (FGCF:427) (also called Blowfish) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Diodon hystrix

The Porcupinefish grows up to 2.5 feet in length.

Porcupinefish

SUNFISHES & MOLAS (Family Molidae)

Large fish with disc-like bodies, lacking a tail.
Ocean Sunfish (*) ______ DE(p) NC(p) NJ (p) IW (FGCF:427) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Mola mola

Mola Mola grow up to 11.5 feet in length and can weigh up to 2 tons.

An Oceanic Sunfish photographed during a FONT pelagic trip
Sharptail Mola ______ (FGCF:427)
Masturus lanceolatus
(Massachusetts to Florida)

The Sharptail Mola grows up to 6.5 feet in length.

References include:

"Sea Life - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment", edited by Geoffrey Waller, with principal contributors Marc Dando & Michael Burchett, 1996.

"Iceland - Nature's Meeting Place", by Mark Carwardine, 1986

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