1. Saltwater Fish Species Identification
Mr. Robinson

2. Today We Will Describe saltwater fish habitats
Differentiate between saltwater fish species
Identify locations for successful fishing

3. Who Loves to Fish

4. What do you need Reliable radio Compass Life jacket Sea chart
Knowledge

5. Go Fish

6. Fish Classification Cartilaginous Bony fishes Sharks, Skates and rays
Skeletons of cartilage rather than bone
Bony fishes
Skeletons of bone
Over 95% of known fish species

7. Fish Classification Ecological Groupings Inshore (littoral)
Offshore bottom (reef)
Offshore migratory (pelagic)

8. Inshore (coastal) Habitat
Most marine fishes locate themselves near the edges of continents

9. Inshore Habitats Estuaries Exposed Beaches
Fresh and salt waters meet and mix
Harsh environment
Fluctuating salinity and temperature
Fish expend energy by swimming in search of better conditions
Exposed Beaches
Turbulent environment
Small disoriented invertebrates provide constant food source

10. Inshore Habitats Salt Marshes Mudflats
Salt tolerable plants invade mudflats
One of best nutrient producing habitats
Will support large fish and invertebrates
Mudflats
A feature that allows sediment to accumulate
Receding tides expose accumulations
Worms, clams and other burrowers are abundant

11. Near-shore Soft Bottoms
Inshore Habitats
Seagrass Flats
Shallow coastal areas often regress into flats
Highly productive habitat
Large populations of fish can be supported
Near-shore Soft Bottoms
Soft, silty featureless bottom
Fish are of commercial importance

12. Inshore Species Red Drum
Silver to bronze
Black spot at upper base of tail
Grayish silver fins
Found along passes and channels between bars
3-4 lbs.

13. Inshore Species Speckled Trout
Dark grayish-blue back
Silvery bottom
Dark spots on upper sides, dorsal fin and tail
One or two prominent canine teeth on upper jaw
Grassy areas, bays and coastal areas
1-2 lbs.

14. Inshore Species Sheepshead
Convict Fish
Vertical black and white bars
Sharp spines and gill covers
Near pilings, jetties, reefs and shell shores
1-3 lbs.

15. Inshore Species Hardhead Catfish
Dark grey back
Silvery-white underneath
Coast, bays and inlets
Toxic slime on fins
½-3 lbs.

16. Inshore Species Southern Flounder
Dark olive to lighter brown
Lies on side
White underside
Both eyes on “up” side
Sandy and silty bottoms along shores and estuaries
Caught by gigging
1-2 lbs.

17. Inshore Species Atlantic Stingray
Brownish above
White underneath
Rhomboid shape
Triangular nose
Painful tail spine
Found on or close to bottom
6-8 inches wide and up to 2 feet in length

18. Inshore Species Bull Shark
Dark gray above
White below
Wide head, blunt snout, and heavy body
Live in fresh and salt waters
Found in estuaries, bays and shallow waters
Up to 500 lbs. and 10 feet long

19. Inshore Species Tarpon
Silver king
Body jaws, elongated dorsal fin, falcate anal fin, and large flat scales
Exciting catch
Found in estuaries, bays and inlets
30-80 lbs.

20. Deep Sea Habitats Natural Reefs Artificial Reefs
Abundance of food and shelter
Reduced wave activity
“Fish eat fish” world
Artificial Reefs
Most costly to incorporate
Many fish seek out for shelter
Sunken objects
Burned car shells
Bundles of clay and concrete
Pipe
Oyster shells
Sunken ships

21. Fish Eat Fish World Catch small fish Notice increase in strength
Pull up much larger fish

22. Deep Sea Habitats Blue Water Line Off-Shore Oil Rigs
Two currents come in contact
Forms line of sediment and trash
Allows fish to hide from predators
Off-Shore Oil Rigs
Supports covered with algae, crustaceans and snails
Trolling
Avoid close passes for safety
Still fishing
Tie up to support
Attracts fish from depths

23. Deep Sea Habitats Objects Floating debris Turtles Fishing boats
Smaller fish escape nets
Throw undesirable species overboard

24. Bottom/Reef Offshore Species Red Snapper
Deep rosy color with dark fringe around fins
Often confused with redfish
United dorsal fin
Found close to the bottom
Strike chum bait rather than lures

25. Bottom/Reef Offshore Species Jewfish
Dark to chocolate brown
Round tailfins
Large reaching lbs.
Good spear fishing

26. Migratory Offshore Species Wahoo
Dark blue above, lavender sides and silver underneath
Young have distinctive vertical bars
Solitary feeder
20 lbs.

27. Migratory Offshore Species Cobia
Dark brown to black above with white below
Spike like spines on dorsal fins
Dark band from snout to tail
Tendency to associate with floating objects
15-30 lbs.

28. Migratory Offshore Species Spanish Mackerel
Black top, blue-green sides and silver below
Orange to brown spots
Huge schools along coast
Found in mouth passes into the gulf
Most abundant during summer
1-2 lbs.

29. Migratory Offshore Species Blackfin Tuna
Dark blue back to silver below
Vertical bars and dots along sides
May have yellow streak on sides
Live and move freely in the open sea
10-20 lbs.

30. Migratory Offshore Species Blue Marlin
Deep blue above to silvery-white underneath
Vertical lavender bars appear when hooked
Found in deep blue waters far offshore
Highly sought after sport fish
200 lbs.

31. YOU
What Did
Learn

32. Summary What fish swims on it’s side? What is the most costly
type of habitat?
What is also known as
the “convict fish”
What fish has two prominent canine teeth?
What is formed when fresh and salt waters mix?

33. Quiz

34. References http://research.myfwc.com/
IMS form 8985-D