Latin name

Prionotus carolinus

Other names

Northern Sea Robin

Identification

Sea robins, are characterized by a bifurcated pectoral fin consisting of rigid individual rays in the lower half and broad, soft, wing-like rays in the upper half. The upper rays are used for swimming. The lower rays are used to find food, sifting through debris and turning over rocks. They are often brightly colored, capable of making loud sounds due to the vibration of the muscles attached to their air bladders. A black, mottled fish with an olive-brown or gray background, the northern sea robin has a large head covered with bony plates and spines and a pronounced black chin. Other Atlantic species are the striped sea robber (P. evolans), which is distinguished by several dark stripes on its flanks, and the leopard sea robber (P. scitulus), a nearly foot-long species with dark spots, common in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic.

Distribution

Nineteen species are found in the Atlantic and several in the Pacific Ocean off the U.S. and Canada. One of the best known fish in this group is the northern robin (Prionotus carolinus), which is found from Nova Scotia to northern South America, but is not uncommon north of Massachusetts.

Habitat

They live in moderate depths. Prionotus carolinus is a bottom dweller, moving closer to shore in summer and going to greater depths in winter.

Size

The average length of Prionotus carolinus is 12 inches, but can reach up to 18 inches.

Life history and Behavior

No information

Food and feeding habits

Sea robbers use their pelvic and pectoral fins to "walk" along the bottom to find fish, shrimp, squid, clams, and crabs to satisfy their insatiable appetite.

Reproduction

These fish spawn throughout the summer, their eggs floating on the surface, and the young grow quickly during the first year.