Latin name

Cynoscion nothus

Other names

Silver trout, silver weakfish.

Identification

The coloration is pale straw or hazel on the back and silvery-white underneath, without clearly defined spots; faint diagonal lines may be present on the upper part of the body. The anal fin has 8-9 rays, which distinguishes it from the sandy seatrout, which has 10 rays. The herring seatrout has large eyes, a short snout, no chin arc, and one or two prominent fangs usually at the tip of the upper jaw. The lower half of the tail is longer than the upper half.

Distribution

Silver seatrout are found mostly throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Atlantic from southern Florida to Maryland.

Habitat

As a predominantly saltwater fish, the silver seatrout usually lives on sandy and sandy-silty bottoms. During the winter months, it migrates to bays.

Size

A silver seatrout rarely weighs more than half a pound, and is usually less than 10 inches long.

Life history and Behavior

There is a long spawning period in the sea during the spring, summer, and fall.

Food and feeding habits

The main food sources are shrimp, small crustaceans, and small fish.

Reproduction

No information