Latin name

Cynoscion arenarius

Other names

White trout, sand weakfish, white weakfish.

Identification

Its coloration is pale yellow on the back and silvery white underneath, without any clear spots. In young sandy seatrout, the back is cloudy, and transverse stripes are sometimes formed. The inside of the mouth is yellow. The anal fin has 10 to 12 soft rays. It has no chin barbs and can be distinguished from the silver seatrout by the presence of 10 anal rays, the silver seatrout has only 8 or 9.

Distribution

The sand seatrout is found mainly in the Gulf of Mexico from the west coast of Florida through Texas and Mexico to Campeche Bay. It also inhabits the extreme southeastern part of Florida's Atlantic coast.

Habitat

Sand trout are predominantly coastal fish that live in bays and coves. Young fish live in shallow bays, especially in less salty areas. Adult fish go to seas in winter.

Size

The average fish is 10 to 12 inches long and rarely weighs more than a pound. The record holder of all tackle is a 6 lb. 2 oz. fish caught in Alabama.

Life history and Behavior

From spring to summer, there is a long spawning period in the coastal zone. The fish become sexually mature during the first or second year of life.

Food and feeding habits

The main food sources are shrimp and small fish.

Reproduction

No information