431 

NOAA Technical Report NMFS Circular 431 

Guide to Some Trawl-Caught 

Marine Fishes From Maine to 

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 

Donald D. Flescher 

March 1980 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Fisheries Service 
NOAA TECHNICAL REPORTS 

National Marine Fisheries Service, Circulars 

The major responsibiilties III the "attllnol \Iann.' FI,hpnp, ",'rvllP I:-':\HSI ArI' t(, m(,ml"r snd delhI aIJundan(t and j(Pfll(raphlf 

dlStrihution IIf lisherv r~sources, til unlierslunli snd prelil' I flUCI'.I1t1 ",ns In t hi' 4U n',1\ and d, trJbut H'n (,I Ihe < re rune and til E' labli h leHI 

lor optImum use of the resour('es, ,\:\IF:-; IS also (harged wllh Ih., d,'v!'lopmenl and ,mT,lementst,,·n "I poil" , I'lf man gllll( nallonal II hlnl( 

grounds, development and pnfoflempnt 01 dome,t'l Ii,hen," rpgu~AtH·ns, "If\(,1;18nCI' (of f'·rell(n f, h nj( "ft I nl'('(l"l I" ('Ia till "dler ann thE' 

development and enlorcement "I IllternatillnallJsh.n ul(rf't'menls and pollCl"s .... :\1~" .,1,,· a" I Ihe" hlng Ind •• Ir thr"ul'h rnarhltnj( ef\ ce 

and e(,lInllmlt anal\", prClgnl'n,. and ""rtgage n, Han' e and \(,,,(,1 (·m trurtll" L,h"d'e It, (" e I anal\le lnd puh he 

\3f1I1US phases "f the Indust r\ 

Tht' ,\OAA Technical Hpp"rt '\IF:-. t'Jr(ular "'rJ!" r m',n Ie'" ,eflt th,,' hft heN, n ( le'He ,net'. II. The (,r- 11M 

publicallons "I general'l1lt'resl Inlennt'ri I" ~J(! (lI"pr\.lIH·O and manag('rr(nl Puhl" tl' In 'Ilat rt"~" .n ('Ill lripnhp dr'~" 

lechnl(alleHI cerlaln hn an arfd' It research ~T:)ear in 'hi ,tnt· I fllln 01 paper. r i! IOallr n C(ln' IT. I< tuelj( mel fr" '11 If gpmpnl n 

\'£>stlgatlnns appt'ar In the Clfl'tJ!ar senes 

"()AA Tf,hnlcal Reporl .... \IF" (lfCUH, an' ,J\d lahl.· Irep n lim,ted r,umbe r t 'j!()\t'rnm('r I 19pn(, , hoi h h'der I dnd 

al,,( a\~ilah e Indl\ d II (( Ii" 'l\ tw .t-,'d,nf'd I JOh' In t:'xchangt' lor ether Sl:t'rttlflc and 'PChOl<d! PLt"ICfttlf·r., In tb mar re f""'lC 

lIthe"nse noted) In m D82:! l ,er Srr'ICtS Hrar"f], f<,mlronmental.., 1(' Irll rmll' >J1 ( enter, OA Iwck" Ie \10 LOh:>': Recent Clr· 

('ulars .Ire 

396 \\"hales. do,phlns, and porpo.se, of the we,tern ~(>r"1 A.t an'. A 

gUide to the r Identlhcal1c n Hv Stephen Leathe", lod Ua\ Id h lalcJ 

well. and Hc\\'ard E. \\'lnn AL".1S· l'n, 1\ ~ l~6 P , l08 hg ., _ tat .. 

I~ app ligs. For sale b\ the "upcron'er.lent If Doc..l lents. l S (r.O\ 

ernmer! Pnntlng OlflLe, \\ ashl1gt >n U( _(4u2 ~'cck () 1)0<·(2) 

001190 

397 :'Ilar,ne n."a and 'auna c 1 the ncrt. ",bter 1 llllte" 'I d'es 

CllldaT.a ", \ ,>hl zoa Hy Ibnald J Ld"'>J1 Au "ht 'l~t 11" I P 

2.~ figs ~or sale by the :-'upennle'1dent 01 Docu nen's c.. l\fr'1 

men' Pn'ltl'lg Ofl".,·e \\ dshl'1gt~n Dl _(4l2 COO, 

OO:lti, 

19~ \Ian 1e lera and launa 01 the r Jrtheasterr l n ted Dte Hlghr 

lungl Ascc mneles. Deuter~my,ete,. and Ha,ldlc n) cete~ 1:3) A R 

l_val ere :'I Iarci' IJ7-, 11 + ~'1 p., 2~ Ilgs For ,a _ t) de ::-.uper 

inlendent l Documents. l S (",vern 'len' Prlnt.ng Ollie. \\ a,hlJ1gtc:1, 

DC 2()~li:.. :-.tcck '\c Ol'l- ):!()·ltU26 _ 

399. :'Ilanne ;1ora and faun" 01 the northeastern L'n ted ,.,tates 

lopepoda Harpactlc( da B\ Bruce (' lOl •• 1 \1urct< 977 11'" 4 p., 

100 figs. for sale b} the Superintendent of Document>, l :'. Gcvern 

ment Printing O;\ice \\ asbmgtun Dl 20~C2 :-.tock c lIl3 02U-ll(.I12.J· 

-l 

400 Fishery publication mdex. 19b5-74 B\' \Iar\, Ellen Engett and 

Lee C Thorson :'Ilarch 19 •• , ill ~ 2:!O P For ,a.e b\ the :'uper 

mtendent of Documents, l ~. Government Prmtmg Office, \\ ashingt m. 

D(, 20-lJ:!. ,.,tock ;-"0 Jl):)·WO-OO.~7·1 

401 Fisheries and flshe" resources c I .... e\\ Y lrk Bight. By J L 

I\lcHugh :'Ilareh 19~-. \. + 5" p., 4.3 I'gs., -19 tables For sale l:>y the 

Superintendent of Documents, L,.S Government Printmg Of lice, Washmgton, DC :20402, Stock;-"o 003-0:20·00129-~. 

402. Guide to the identilication of scorpIOn fish larvae (Family Seorpaellldae) m the eastern PaCIfic wllh comparative notes on species of 

::>eba,tes and Helicolenus from other oceans. By H. Geoffrey :'Iloser. 

Elbert H. Ahlstrom, and Elaine:\ol. Sandknop. April 1977, v + 71 p .. -IO 

figs .. 38 tables. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. C S. Gov· 

ernment Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; Stock :-':0. 003·020-

00128-9 

403. Marine flora and fauna of the northeastern United States Sipun· 

cula. By Edward B. Cutler. July 1977. Iii + 7 p., 6 figs. For sale by 

the Superintendent of Documents, U.S Government Pnnting Office, 

Washington, DC 20402; Stock No. 003-012-00404-0. 

404. Revision of the sea basses of the genus Diplectrum (Pisces: Serrallldae). By Stephen A. Bortone. September 1977, v + 49 p., 15 figs., 

9 tables. 

405. Marine flora and fauna of the northeastern United States. Echino· 

dermata: Holothuroidea. By David L. Pawson. September 1 

err m • t Pc n ng OHlce \\ a r n '''' U(, .l1J-IO~, tock L 003·01 

lI<.-tO t 

Il~ \In~ ne 1 oru and f..lf of the n lrthes 'ern I IlIled t8 

I lp<podll I.A:~'1aer)JXdl<! e 'lnd phn dne By J J. he) Ho D 

cerrber 1 ;~~ 11 4 P Ib fig Fu. a.e by the upenntendent 

uccumt t l'" l, \ern"ent Pnntl1g om e, \\a hmg! m DC MO

"tcek ) ((1 Jl- l(<412 • 

I 

cem"er .,~ I I 

1 11' rthea tern llllted 

\\ood 

)~ chart 

.uS ll.('ctlc, I' JIl_ ba.tI, h papers 12 "aper;.) B} RIchard ~ 

t: lm..lrd edl' -I Decem"er !9~~ 11 ~ it ~ p 

41 \Iar ne I "3 ana fd .na the narthea tern l r..ted tate

l lpepod (h)PC ,J paras. tiC m hshe B\ Jl." he\ Ho Februa 

19 .11" 12 P 1 IIg 

",.,d ""(, iJt'4Le lee, 

II,::" , 1 table 

ra'" trip bl 

B\ Thomd ( 

Tn m the. P\\ YJrk B,ght ('ause 

:\Ialcne \Ia} 19. , 1\ + 14 p., 1

411 'S"temlIlC, and blole-I:) 01 the lI.elbhe (Per~.fc.rmb Branchia

'te~.Jtle ~nd \1,,:.l..tl'ltt< dtlel, \\ th dbcnptHm 01 two ne\\ .. pecle, B

Jilme, K Doole) Apn . • q-~ \ ~ -, P 44 flJ:s , :?6 table> 

112 ~\ ~op'" c! blO,"Jg, • .l1 -idta on the red porg:" Pagru. pa~rus ILII

'laeu, H) ('harle- 'I \Ianooch III and \\ :!ham \\ Has>ler :'.Ia

197' I t 19 p .. l_ hgs , 7 tables. For sale b) the Superintendent 0

D('(Lmenl" l'.'1 (.overnment Pnntmg Oftice. \\"a~hlllgton. DC ~0402

:-.tock '\ l 00jl),-·OOH,,·(I" 

H3 \Iarine nora and fauna ot tbe northeastern l'mted States

('n.,taeea· Hranlhiura Hy Ro!(er F Cre, .. e), :'Ila) 19-:~. Iii + 10 p., 1

IIgs. For sale Dy the Superintendent of Document., L'.S. Governmen

PnntlJ1g Oltice, \\·a,hmgtan. DC 20~U~, ::;tock :-':0 OU3·017-lJ0419·8. 

~14 ::;ynop,is of bIOlogical data for the wmter flounder, Pseudopleuro

neet .. " amencaf1W \\\albauml. By Grace KlelJ1·:'IlacPhee. :-':ovembe

;9.8. Iii + ~3 p, 21 figs, 28 tables. 

H5 A baSIS for c1asslfYlJ1g western Atlantic Sciaenidae (Teleoste

Perciformesl. By Labbisb :-':ing Chao. September 19,8, v + 64 p., 4

figs., 1 table. 

416. Ocean variability: Effects on C.S. marine fishery resources 

1975. (20 papers.) By Julien R. Goulet, Jr. and Elizabeth D. Haynes

Editors. December 1978, iii + 350 p. 

417. Guide to the identification of genera of the fish Orde

Ophidiiformes with a tentative classification of the order. By Daniel M

Co.hen...aruLJ0l"1l'en..G ieJR A""= b..~ 
NOAA Technical Report NMFS Circular 431 

Guide to Some Trawl-Caught 

Marine Fishes From Maine to 

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 

Donald D. Flescher 

March 1980 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

Ph p M Klutznlc - Sec e a 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

R chard A Fran Adr1" S ra''''' 

National Manne Fisheries Service 

Terry L Le tze Ass s'an Ad~ ua I" e es 
The ational ;\!a rine Fi henes en'ice (.'.1 F. ) do S not appro\' • r ecommend or endorse any proprietary produc or proprietary mat rial 

mentioned in this publtcation. .'0 r fert'nCl, hall b mad to. 'Mr . • or 

to t his publication furni 'hed by • ',\1 F ~, in any ad\' r iSing or all' promotion which would indicate or imply that. ·.\If appro\' • r comm nd 

or endorses any proprietary product or proprietary maLrial m nlion d 

herein, or which has as its purpose an intI nt to cau e dir etly or indir ctly 

the advertised product to ve used or purcha d b cau e of thi • '.1 

pu blica tion. 
Introduction ..... . ....................... .... .... .... . .................. . 

Introductory key to fib he .................................................. . 

Shark. except angel hark .................................................. . 

Skates, rays and angel bhark ................................................ . 

Skate, ray - skates ...................................................... . 

Skate ,rays - rays ........................................................ . 

kate ,rays - tin grays .................................................... . 

Eel-shaped fi he ......................................................... . 

Herring family ........................................................... . 

Anchovy- haped fishes .................................................... . 

Cod family - one or three dorsal fins . ...... . ... .. . . .......... . ................ . 

Cod family - two dor al fins ................................................. . 

Bass-shaped fishes - one dorsal fin .. .... ..................................... . 

Bass-shaped fishes - two dorsal fins ......................................... . 

Searobins and sculpins -searobins ........................................... . 

Searobins and sculpins - sculpins ............................................ . 

Flatfishes - right-eyed flatfishes . ............................................ . 

Flatfishes - left-eyed flatfishes .............................................. . 

Mackerel and tuna- haped fishes ............................................ . 

Goosefish and butterfish ................................................... . 

Index of common names ................................................... . 

Index of scientific names . ..... ...... .................. . .................... . 

iii 

3-7 

10 

11 

12 

13,14 

1.5,1 ' 

17,1 

1 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

2 

29-31 

32-:34 
Guide to Some Trawl-Caught Marine Fishes 

From Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 

DONALD D. FLESCHER1 

ABSTRACT 

Fis hes covered are those regularly caught during trawling oper ations. Simila r shaped fhhc, arc 

grouped together. On each page the written keys are connected by lines to the fish illustration.: <:on,cquently, technical terms in the keys a re illustrated as they are used. ;\Iotes on the size and range or 

each fis h are included. 

INTRODUCTION 

This guide is designed for the quick identification of 

trawl caught fishes under sometimes difficult field conditions. The species that are included are abundant in bottom trawl catches of National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NMFS) research cruises on the continental shelf. These 

cruises cover the area slightly northeast of the Gulf of 

Maine to Cape Hatteras, N.C., from about 5 to 200 

fathoms. Estuaries are not included. 

Fishes with similar characteristics are grouped 

together even though they may not be related. When 

identifying a fish , if you cannot decide on which page to 

begin after leafing through the guide, you can use the introductory key on pages 3 to 7. The keys are for identifying adult fi hes. The body proportions of immature fishes 

may be quite different, and some body parts may not 

have developed yet. 

A geographical range is given for each species. This is 

the to~al area over which it has been found. It may be expected to be abundant within a small area of this range. 

Many species occur quite frequently in NMFS trawl 

catches but are not considered to be abundant. These 

species are omitted in order to keep the guide small. 

Therefore any fi h that does not exactly fit the key characteristics or that looks different from the majority of the 

individuals can be preserved (10'0 Formalin or full 

strength alcohol works well) or frozen for later identifi-

:\orthea t Fisheries Center Woods Hole Laboratory. :\'ational ~larine 

Fi heries Sen·ice. NOAA, Woods Hole. l\1A O~543. 

1 

cation. The reader is referred to the following text for a 

more extensive coverage of the fishes: 

"Field Book of Marine Fishes of the Atlantic Coa -t" by 

Charles M. Breder, Jr. 1948. G P. Putnam' Son~, 

332 p. This book also mcludes the e tuarine peCles a~ 

well as those whose center of abundance IS south of Cape 

Hatteras. It is pocket-sized, which is helpful for in-thefield use. 

"Fishes of the Gulf of Maine" by Henry Bigelow and 

William Schroeder. 1953. U.S. Fish and Wildlife 'ervice, Fishery Bulletin, vol. 53, 577 p. [Available as a 

reprint from the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Har 

vard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.) It include 

not only the usual fi hes of the Gulf of 1\laine and 

Georges Bank but all that have ever strayed into that 

area. Exten ive information i given on the bIOlogy and 

economics of each species. 

"Fishes of Chesapeake Bay" by ~amuel Hildebrand 

and William Schroeder. 192. Bulletin of the T 

Bureau of Fisherie , 43(1): 1-366. [A 1972 repnnt i" 

available from T. F. H. Pubhcation , Inc ..• 'eptune, •. J 

07753.J Although about 50 year old, thi publication 

gives good coverage of the biology and economic importance of each pecie . The T. F H PublicatIOn repnnt 

bring the scientific name up to date. 

"Fishes of the AtlantiC Coa t of Canada" by A. H 

Leim and \\. B. 'cott. 1966. Fi hene Re earch 

Board of Canada, Bulletin 15.5. 4 5 p. It cO\er the 

fi hes found between the Gulf of ~laine and Labrador out 

to 1,000 fathom . 
Source of Drawings 

Forty-eight of the drawings came from the files of the United States National Museum (Smithsonian 

Institution). Thirty-one are from the book "The Fishery Industries of the United States, Section I, History 

of Aquatic Animals" by George B. Goode, 1884. Twenty-one are from the books "Fishes of the Western North 

Atlantic," Part 1, 1948; Part 2, 1953; Part 3, 1963; and Part 6, 1973 (Sears Foundation for Marine Research, 

Memoir 1). Four are from "Oceanic Ichthyology" by George B. Goode and Tarleton H. Bean, 1896. Six other 

government and museum publications were each the source of one or two drawings. Illustrators at the National 

Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Woods Hole, Mass., drew the undersides of the winter and little skates and 

the gill rakers of red and white hake. 

Total fish length 

Caudal fin Gill 

Ventral fi n Lateral l ine Gill arch 

Parts of a fish used for fish identification. 
UTRODUCTORY KEY 

lao Has five gill openings on each side. 

o to 2. 

lb. H ither one or no gill opening on each side. 

o to 3. 

body in cross section ;s more or less rounded. 

angel shark, p. 

b cross section is flattened from bell 

1 sharI<. p. to 12. 

• n in and no rnal eves. 

n 

~ 

1 

o bac". 

cross-sectlon 

o • 

cross-sec-tlon 
..,. 

4b. Mouth not enormous, most teeth in lower jaw 

not exposed when mouth closed. 

Go to 5. 

5a. Body flattened in cross section; both eyes on 

the same side of the head. 

See flatfishes, p. 25, 26. 

5b. Body more or less rounded in cross section; 

one eye on each side of head. 

Go to 6. 

6a. Body tapers to a whiplike tail ("rattail"). 

See grenadi er, P. 13. 

6b. Tail not whiplike. 

7a. 

Go to 7. 

Body long and slender: body's greatest height (not 

counting dorsal fin) less than or equal to 1/5 of total 

body length; has only one dorsal fin which is at least 

2/3 as long as total body length. 

See eel-shaped fishes, P. 13, 14. 

t 

c ... ~ 

A 

B < 1/5 A c > 2/3 A 
CJl 

lb. Body shorter and stouter: body's greatest height 

(not counting dorsal fin) greater than or equal to 

1/4 of total body length or the longest dorsal fin 

is less than 2/3 of the total body length. 

8a. 

8b. 

Go to 8. 

The belly in cross-section has a bottom edge that 

is sharp edged. 

See herri ngs, p. 15, 16 and butterfish, p. 28. 

The belly in cross-section has a bottom edge that 

is more or less rounded. 

Go to 9. 

9a. Numerous light-producing organs (photophores) along 

the ventral surface. 

See pearlsides and lanternfish, ~ 17. 

9b. No light-producing organs (photophores) along the 

ventral surface. 

Go to 10. 

lOa. Four or more small fins between last dorsal fin an~ 

caudal fin and between anal fin and caudal fin. 

See mackerel and tuna-shaped fishes, p. 27 . 

)) 

\ 

() 

\ 

~\@o f ""o" ,,,, 

~ , 

-- ~ 

\~ 
CT> 

lOb. No small fins between last dorsal fin and caudal 

fin and between anal fin and caudal fin. 

lla. 

llb. 

12a. 

Go to 11. 

Base of longest dorsal fin 1/7 or less of total 

body 1 ength. 

See anchovy-shaped fishes, ~ 17 , 18 . 

Base of longest dorsal fin 1/6 or more of 

total body length. 

Go to 12. 

The front half of the first dorsal fin is 

supported entirely by segmented, fairly 

soft bones (called rays); start of ventral 

fin is located directly beneath or forward 

of start of pectoral fin. 

See cod-family, p. 19,20. 

12b. The front half of the first dorsal fin is 

supported entirely by unsegmented, often 

very hard bones (called spines); or start 

of ventral fin is located behind Start of 

pectoral fin. 

Go to 13. 

• <4! 

~ ~ B ---~i~ ',~ 

, • ) ,f) ,-..;::""_ 

-:::.- ~ l ~ "'~ 

I .. ~I 

A 

B < 1/7 A 

~ 

~ 
-l 

13a. Two dorsal fins. Base of anal fin long, more 

than 1/5 of total body length. Pectoral fins 

large, usually more than 1/5 of total body 

length. 

See searobins and sculpins, p. 23, 24. 

13b. One or two dorsal fins. If two dGrsal fins are 

present, base of anal fin usually less than 1/5 

of total body length. Pectoral fins small, 

usually less than 1/5 of total body length. 

B > 1/5 A 

usually C 

See bass-shaped fishes, p. 21,22. usually B < 1/5 A 

usually C < 1/ 5 A 

~ ~ 

.. .. 

A 
00 

[-1 

SHARKS EXCEPT ANGEL SHARK 

A chain-lik.e pattern of b'ack 

stripes on back and ·,ides. 

~~ ~r---

CHAIN DOGFISH '" £ rh ."1a:r:i-:1.Q1l 81 ~ 2\ feet 

Range: Offshore (40 to 125 fathor.""'i, 're- New York to North Caro 11 na 

F rst at' 

about ~ u 

First dorsal fin begins over ,"ear edte Of pectora~ 

fin. Teeth tiny, flat, and pavercnt-' ~_e 

SI'llOTH DOGFISH 

1.f;:.nn;ut!f n.~ 5 feet 

Cape Cod to as far sou!.h as .Jrugua 

1-

No d'l.l ' r I he pattern of black 

..tripes on back ~nL ~ides. 

An ana fln. "1 ,;pine 1 ' 

frent t'~ e::ch dorsal fin. 

-I 

No anal fin. A spine in 

f"'Ont of" ea<:h dorsal fin. 

t ,'T" 

~. . 

:'.J~ 'lY OCii .. " I(',ti 

J~ ~ \ 

tj lrsal (1'!,. r t 

h __ n I a ""Jcr 

a1 fir'! 

nf 'leI-to .. a1 fin. 

-'- . ., ,,~~._~. :~.~ ."', .... 

-.J 

/( 

.. I!{(I ---- ~~. ' 

\..- -'" - . _ ---,0' 

~ 

, 

offr"lf'l~ .. aters 

.~e inne'" a.,~'e o""q);t 

f' ., 1a1"Qel'" ~ts~; ~ht is at leas1' 

t"; i'hir"lj ~P' openi'9 

-----. ~~ 

~~~ 

~I SA.\D8AR SHAll/; =-<.,.".., n~ 

(8"" ... S~.r' 7 2Jl , •• t 

I . .l--n :m in inshO,.. and offsh:re wa t~rs 

f .... Cope Cod to FlorH. 
<:0 

SKATES, RAYS AND ANGEL SHARK 

,- Mouth located at very front of head. Distinct notches between Mouth located some distance back on underside 

head and front edges of "wings" (pectoral fins). of head. No notches between head and front 

edges of "wi ngs" (pectora 1 fi ns) . 

/ 1 There are two dorsal fins at tip of tail. There are no dorsal fins at tip of tail . There ilre never any spines ("stingers") on tail. The r e may be one or mo re spi nes ("sti nge rs") on tail. 

I SEE RAYS , PAGE 11 

3 . ..... , t·· ... .... I One or more rows of conspicuous thorns in middle of back No conspicuous thorns in middle of back, 

in area A. No black dots or dashes on lower surface. Lower surface has black dots or das hes. ;'.(.: i n area A. 

ANGEL SHARK Squatina dwnePi!i 

Maximum siae: 3 feet Range: Cape Cod south to Jamaica. Numerous thorns, a 11 very ti ny, 

cover the top of rear 1/3 of tail. 

~{ " ~ .,' "" .,,:. __ . /C 

- Ie "- - ""-..qf(1:J SMOOTH SKATE Raja senta ., 

(Smooth-tailed skate) , , !rtzximum size: 24 inches total length. 

Range : 0 ff Newfound 1 and to South Carol ina. 

Mostly in depths greater than about 40 to 

One or more rows 

of moderate to large 

thorns on top of 

rear 1/3 of tail. 

/ 

/\ \ 

,',,-

~ ~', il 

Q; ~ 

-:. j: 

.... ;/' _ 'i 

'" I... 

-~ /~~IJ ~I /' 

\:f ~ 

50 fathoms, ':~!;!U;n\:" / ~ On the back there are no On the back there are conspi cuous Ma:r:irrrwn 

BARN DOOR 8ize: SKATE 5 Raja 

feet l.aevis in length. '"'-.J ~\.v \\ ,,' 

conspicuous ddrk rosettes. 

of 

dark 

6 or 

rosettes 

more dark 

(a rosette 

brown or 

is 

black 

a group Rang" Off Newfoundland to North ' •• ,~~ spots surrounding a central spot). / 

I ~ 

The thorns of the mi tidl e row on 

"..,--. the tail are much larger and 

~ conspicuous than any other thorns 

on the td 11. There are g or 

"'!~:;\<!'!';: .. 'If these large ta;l thorns. 

'!'.~:1'~:.:, .:.;; ;:.'!;~:;. _ (~I' 

~~'. ~: 

~ ,.: 

~ t~~~'~~;A~~~~ 

'" > ~:;:~·~/X:' ,», THORNY SKATE Raja radiata 

Irtzxirm.mr size: 40 inches 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. 

In North America from west of Greenland 

to South Carol; na. Restri cted in genera 1 

to water deeper than 10 fathoms. 

No one row of thorns on the tal 1 

is much larger or more conspicuous 

than the other thorns on the tai 1. 

There are at least 15 thorns 

in each of the rows on the ta i 1 . 

(continued on next page) 

Carollna. . ..... ~.".# ••• ~ 

~ ,,"'

" !¥ 

'II 

f

~ ' ~ " \\ 

,:<!i:" ,'!' ' .:.:',!:",." \ ~~ 

, ~ Pi 

~::;~I:~:~if,;:¥ • :i< ,>,:::, ::~>:.', . ROSETTE SKATE Raja garmani 

';,-\4' ."... (leopard skate) 

~J.i; 'k' Size Th l S one of the smaller skates 

. ' and grows to a total lenqth of at 

least 16 inches. 

Range: Off Nantucket to Florida, in 

depths of 30 to 300 fathoms, 
..... 

o 

SKATES, RAYS - SKATES (continued from 

preceding page) 

, 1 

Only one row of large thorns in the middle of the b~ck, There are at least three rows of thorns in middle of back in area B. Upper surface of body marked with roundlSh in area B. Upper surface of body marked with spots but 

spots and short bars. The first and second dorsal fins are has no short bars. The first and second dorsal fins are separated by a definite space or at least 1 or 2 thorns. not separated by d definite space or by a thorn or thorns. 

I · I I 

~ Generally less than 54 rows of teeth Generally roore than 80 rows of teeth ""'0:: in upper jaw. Rarely exceeds length of in upper jaw. Grows to a length of 

~ , '\. ~ about 21 inches (54 centimeters) or about 43 inChe.s (l09 centimeters) and 

'_ ,.".Jfj I J.. \ weight of 2 pounds, often exceeds a weight of 2 pounds, ./', ., · \ J ~ ~ I #. I t ~ • \ 

't: i' .0.1.:_ i:: 8 111 /' .' ". ~\ • ~ '"!. r- ">.. _ ,./);' . • \ ~,~. .~.. .. " ., ., .... .,' .. :;.\ ".' -_ .... , .. c ......... ,.--/ . /. :.:....... . . "!":"jl ~}; I • -----" ~. " . . .. ,'..., .. ,1 , _ . I /' .. I" , ..... :. ~ t:.:·' ... . j J ~ , -; ~ -.. • ~ 

\' r;~:j/::=: '. ... ..... 

. "- ~", 

'\ . . I 

./ 

CLEARNOSE SKATE Raja eg1An"" a 

(Brier skate) Ma.rimwn size: 37 inches in total 

Range: Massachusetts to Florida 

I 

I 

length 

~ 

'0. 

"Z.,. .... ," ,'.-.' I > 

,_ ....... 

LITTLE SKATE R .. ,u eM.>la" 

AkJ.z1.1!Mr' ria" Rarely ex{eeds. ci total length 0' about 

21 inches (54 centirrV!'ters) ;n U.S. water~. 

Gul f of St. la.wrence to V, rg;nh .. 

:. 

C>; 

. ~ ::-0. 

... ~, ... ~ ... .:. . \ " '\ 

WI~TER SKATE ''''' 1 '" <Jta 

~Bi9 skate) -! ~.~ 8 P.6 Ab,)ut 43 inches 

/--'" 

Off Newfoundland to North Carolina 

Note In U S water$. fiSh longer than ~ :entllTl?ters (21 Inches: w1"l usually tum out to be winter skates, and 

s.peclmen~ longer than about 60 centc'X'ters (24 Inches) are allh)Sl certainly winter skates. There is a problem when 

separating winter skates that lire less than 54 centimeters from little s).ates by counting rows of teeth, 

sinle It is 'iO tite· :onsUftling as to be- hnpractical in the field. However. if each selt is conSidered separately. 

"hose ;n t·"!e size range of 35 centine~ers (14 inches) to S4 centllDeters can be readlly identified. This is the 

size range 1n which 1 ;ttle skates sMw matur' '\9 or mature e).ternal se~ chardt.:ters. and the winter skate shows tmnature external se. chuacters For fiSh under ab\lut 35 centimeters. though, both species are lar.ature and there is no 

easy characterist1C tor quickly separating the:;l In the field. The sues can be separated as follows l\ales have 2 cla~pers (copulatory organs). one at eden slde of the start of the tail: females lad claspers. 

Fish between 35 and 54 cent1meters 

On underside of body there are two patches of spines, one on each side of the vent. (Note: The spi nes a re often 

difficult to see even in good light conditions but they 

can be fe 1t 1f you move your f1 ngerti pin the ta 11-

toward·head direction). I 

~ 

] 

. .. 

, 

\.\\ 

I" 

.... 

I, 

' ~ 

LITTLE SKATE . female. under.ide 

---, On undersl de of body there 1 s no patch 

of spines on each side of vent 

' ''I 

.~ 

Ifllf 

WINTER SKATE. f.male. under'ide 

I The claspers e).tend wel t. ''tI n The claspers e1 ther -.on t reach posterior 

no.terior ed9"1 of d'" ed~. of jl,C:'::.'"" ".",ly ~eyond it. 

'1 '~J_~ Ii" A~!) J, -::.2 .;:::,. ,\\' ~' .... ,-~. t ~ . 

LITTLE SMTE. ... le, unde"lde WINTER SKATE. ... 1 •• underside 
...... 

...... 

BULLNOSE RAY: MyliobatiB fl'eminvi7.lei 

M::z:cimum size: 34 inches wingtip to wingtip . 

Range: Cape Cod to Brazi 1. 

SKATES, RAYS - RAYS 

I I 

Outline of front edge of fish. from ~1ngtip to O~tline o~ front edge of fish, from wingtip to wingtip. interrupted by head protrudlng forward. wlngtip, 1S approximately v-shaped. That is, I head doesn I t protrude forwa.rd appreci~bly. 

Underside of head 

COWNOSE RAY Rhinoptera bOY/a.SU8 

Maximum size: About 38 inches wingtip to wingtip . 

Range: Vicinity of Cape Cod {Nantucket, Woods Hole} to Brazil. 

Tail short, much shorter than distance from snout 

to start of tail. Wingtip to wingtip distance much 

greater than distance from snout to end of tail. 

F \ 

Tail long, whiplike. much longer than distance from snout to start of tail. Wingtip to wingtip distance 

much less than distance from snout to tip of tail. 

One or two spi nes 

(stingers) at base of tail. No spines (stingers) at base of tail. 

il' 

'1 f / 

~-----~~-j, -~ 'Il~l~ SPINY BUTTERFLY RAY Gymnura aUave~a , 

--,,,,-// 

.---,,'--

Ma.x:imwn 8ize: In U.S. waters 6 feet 10 

inches wingtip to wingtip. 

Range: Both sides of Atlantic. In western Atlantic Cape Cod to South America. 

\ I if J \ \-

\ 

(j\ 

r; I 

; .. -' ( \ ,! j 

('-~ \ 

I il J 

i \ !I 

SMOOTH BUTTE RFl Y RAY Gymnura mioPUra 

Ma:r:imum size : 3 to 4 feet wingtip to wingtip. 

Range : Cape Cod to Brazil (continued on next page) 
/ 

/ 

)'. ) 

./ 

l~~ ______________________________ __ 
...... 

W 

.----- Has no j aws. no pectoral f1 nand 

no externa 1 eyes. 

ATLANTIC HAGFISH Myxi"" glutinosa 

Maximwn siu: 31 inches 

Range: Both sides of Atlantic. In North America, 

Arctic to North Carol ina. 

Three barbels above the mouth: one in front of each nostril and 

the third on the top of the snout. A fourth barbel hangs from the 

chin. 

FDURBEARD RDCKLING gnahelyopus cimbrius 

Maximum size: 12 inches in North America 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In North 

America, Gulf o~ St. lawrence to North Carolina. 

(continued on 

next page) 

I 

--

EEL-SHAPED FISHES 

Has jaws . pectora 1 f1 nand 

external eyes. 

r-- Has one dorsal fin. 

No barbels above the mouth. 

r---------- Anal fin and caudal fin not 

separated by deep notch or gap. 

Has two dorsa 1 fi ns but the second one ; 5 so much 

lower than the fi rs t tha t it may be diffi cu 1t to 

see. Body tapers to an e 1 009a ted whi p 1 ike tail 

("rattail") with no distinctive caudal fin . 

~ ~~-~ . f +" .... -

GRENADIERS ("RATTAILS") 

Note: There are many speci es of grenadiers 

and all live in deep water. In U.S. waters 

a few are occasionally caught in depths 

less than 100 fathoms. One, the Marlinspike , 

Nezwrria bail'di, is shown above. 

Anal fin and caudal fin 

separated by deep notch or gap . 

I 

No ventral fins or chin barbel. Ventral fins and chin barbel present. 

Snout rounded and large canine teeth present. 

ATLANTIC WOLFFISH Anarhicha8 lupus 

(Dcean catfish) 

Maximum size: 5 feet, 40 pounds 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In 

North America, Greenland to New Jersey. 

----e.: 

t CUS K 81'Osme bro8TTIe 

Ma:r:imwn size: 3~ feet. 27 pounds 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In 

North America, Newfoundland to Virginia. 

Snout pointed and no large canine teeth. 

SAND LANCE Ammodytes species 

Maximum size: 7 inches 

Range: Labrador to North Carol ina. 
>-' 

Iv 

( 

h.. 

SKATES, RAYS - STINGRAYS 

Tail is rough because of large number of thorny tubercles on it. Tail has a 

keel-like fold of skin only on underside. 

Detail of tail showing thorny tubercles and single 

keel-like skin fold located on underside of tail. 

J / ~. ~ \t_ f j _ J 

\ . 

-

'", 

""- ~ / 

ROUGHTAIL STINGRAY Daeyatie oentpo""a 

(Northern stingray) Ma:rimwn siae: Nearly 7 feet wingtip to 

wingtip. 

Range: Cape Cod to Florida 

(continued from I preceding page) 

I -- ------- .. _- - -----, 

Tail ;s smooth. lacks thorny tubercles. Tail has a keel-like fold of skin on 

both':'ide and underSidj 

~---~=---.-:;: 

Detail of tail showing two keel-like skin folds just behind "stinger. n 

:11 

j 

iJ 'Ii I \. 

BLUNTNOSE STINGRAY Dasyatie eayi 

Maximwn size: One meter (about 39 inches) 

wingtip to wingtip. 

Range: Southern Massachusetts to Brazil or farther south. 
...... 

v:> 

,\\ '. ?i 

Has no jaws. no pectoral fin and no external eyes . 

ATLANTIC HAGFISH Myxi"e glutinosa 

Maxirrrwn size: 31 inches Rallge: Both sides of Atlantic. In North America. 

Arctic to North Carol ina. 

Three barbels above the mouth: one in front of each nostril and 

the thi rd on the top of the snout. A fourth barbel hangs from the 

chin. 

FDURBEARD RDCKLING Enohe lyopus OimbriUB 

Maximum size: 12 inches in North America 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In North 

America, Gulf o~ St. Lawrence to North Carolina. 

(continued on 

next page) 

I 

--

EEL-SHAPED FISHES 

Has jaws. pectoral fin and 

external eyes. 

/ ._--

Has one dorsal fin. 

No barbels above the mouth. 

Has two dorsal fins but the second one ;s so much 

lower than the first that it may be difficult to 

see. Body tapers to an elongated whiplike tail 

("rattail ") with no distinctive caudal fin. 

-........... 

GRENADIERS ("RATTAILS") 

Note: There are many species of grenadiers 

and all live in deep water. In U.S. waters 

a few are occasionally caught in depths 

less than 100 fathoms. One, the Marlinspike, 

Nezumia bair>di, is shown above. 

/ ... _-----, Anal fin and caudal fin not 

separated by deep notch or gap. 

No ventral 

Snout rounded and large canine teeth present. 

ATLANTIC WDLFFISH AnarhichaB lupus 

(Dcean catfish) 

Maximwn size: 5 feet J 40 pounds 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In 

North America. Greenland to New Jersey. 

r 

Anal fin and caudal fin 

separated by deep notch or gap . 

I 

fins or chin barbel. Ventral fins and chin barbel present. 

t CUS K B'1'Osme brosme 

Ma:cimwn size: 3~ feet, 27 pounds 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In 

North America, Newfoundland to Virginia. 

Snout pointed and no large canine teeth. 

SAND LANCE Ammodytes species 

Maximwn size: 7 inches 

Range: Labrador to North Carolina. 

f 
...... 

.... 

(continued from 

preceding page) 

r .... ---- Dorsal fin seems separated from 

caudal fin by a considerable gap 

OCEAN POUT MaL'l'OBcar.- ~B "17/c}"1...:anus 

(Eel pout) Iohrinrwn eiBe: 3~~ feet, 12 pounds 

Range ~ Newfoundland to Delaware, 

No barbel·like fins - f) .. he thr'Oat 

Gape of mouth reache~ only about .!,'it tdr 4S red" 

of eye; body th1c~, t1p of o.'Ii1 soft dod nlundt'>d 

CONGER EEL Conger ocelmimdr 

14lrif'11W1f Sill(; 7 feet, 22 pounds in North Amt'ricd 

&mgt': Continental shelf of eastern North _rica, ~4(h1n9 

as far north as Novll Scotfa 

EEL-SHAPED FISHES 

\ 

.< 

Dorsal. caudal, and anal f'ln;t 

form one cont inuou! fin 

No "art (~lne on . 'lo ... t no o~re" wi h ). 

th r"t't 

r, ' r' "" 

~ 

Barbel 

\ 

( CONTINUED' 

t.hrott 

rtwlrt sha""P ~)ioe on the t..JP of snout i ., is edsily (e t if not seen (for 

it i-, nearly hi,jden 1n Skin, l..pper sides 

tovered with pa'e round spots 

~ 
...... 

<:n 

HERRING FAMILY 

A ~ Belly (A) is sharp-edged B 0 Belly (B) is more or lfss , in cross section. rounded in cross section . 

~------------~I--------~ \ 

Two rows of distinctive scales along 

middle of back between head and dorsal 

fin. Head (C) large, about 1/3 of body 

length to narrowest part of tail (0). 

~~~ 

~'----

c • 1/3 0 

Top view of fish to show scales 

ATlANTIC MENHADEN Br-evool'tia tY1'a1lnU8 

(Pogy) 

Ma:cirTtWrI size: 20 inches, about 1 3/4 pounds 

Range: Nova Scotia to Florida. 

Tip of lower jaw does not extend much 

beyond upper jaw when mouth closed 

(conti nued on next page) 

No rows of distinctive scales along 

middle of back between head and dorsal 

fin. Head (C) sma ller, about \; or less of (0). 

(E) much less than (F). 

Belly very sawtoothed. 

Tip of lower jaw extends beyond 

upper jaw when mouth is closed 

HICKORY SHAD AZosa mediocris 

Maxirmun size: 2 feet 

Range: Bay of Fundy to Florida. 

E • F 

ROUND HERRING Et""'""us teres MaxirttUnl size: 10 inches 

Range: Bay of Fundy to Gul f of Mexico 

Distance from tip of lower jaw to start of 

dorsal fin (E) equals d1stance from start of dorsal fin to last large scales on the middle of the tail (F). Belly slightly sawtoothed. 

' ........ i:t...:/......--.- i.l....'..:.W .... 

ATLANTIC HERRING C!upea haJ'engus 

(S .. a herri ng) 

Maximum siae: 17 inches, about llz pounds 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In 

North America, Greenland to North Carolina. 
...... 

0) 

(continued from preted1 ng page) 

Upper outl ine of forwdra pdrt Jf 

lower jdw nearly stra1q;}. Cheek 

bone muth higher (G) th,n long (,; 

AMERICAN SHAD AL- ea C.l.P 4- 68 

"h. _.lmum st4e Z., feet, Il'1 pounds 

R:rn(.1tl Newfound14nd to florida. and 

on the United States Pacific COdtt 

HERRING FAMILY (COHT! HUED) 

he .. 

thdn 

I > J 

J I .-,- , 

~ 

'I"th rlro'.na 
....... 

-l 

ANCHOVY - SHAPED FISHES 

------1 No light-producing organs (photophores) present. L ight-produc;ng organs (photophores) present. 

Start of ventral fins in front 

of rear tip of pectoral fins. 

SHORTNOSE GREENEYE Ch~ol'ophthalmu8 aga88~"i 

Ma:r;irrrum size: About 6~ inches 

Range: South of Cape Cod to South America. in 81 to 400 fathoms. 

Mouth small, extends only to about front of eye. Mouth large, extends beyond eye. 

PEARLS IDES Ma/AI'OtiC!UB TTTUE Lleri Maximwn size: 2~ inches 

Range: The open Atlantic. 

Start of ventral fins well behind 

rear tip of pectoral fins . 

No sma 11 f1 eShy fi n (ad i pose 

fin) behind the dorsal fin. 

(continued on 

next page) 

I 

/~ 

LANTERNFISHES (MYCTOPH IDS) 

Many species of lanternfishes exist. Identification depends 

mos t 1y on the pas it i on and number of the; r 1 i ~ht- praduc; ng organs (photophores). They are small fishes (most will be 

shorter than 3 or 4 inches) which are most abundant in 

the open ocean beyond the continental shelf. One fairly 

common species is the HORNED LANTERNFISH CerutoBoopelu8 nad£l'ensiB. shown above. which has a small spine 

("horn") pOinting forward just above each eye. 

A small fleshy fin (adipose 

fin) behind the dorsal fin. 

ATLANT IC ARGENTINE Argentina sHus 

Maximum aize: 18 inches 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic usually in 

wa ter as deep as 80 to 300 fa thoms. I n North 

America from Nova Scotia to off southern New England. 
...... 

00 

r Ventral fins located far behind dorsal fin. Mouth doesn't extend beyond eye. 

ROUND HERRING EtrwneU8 te,,,. Marimum size: 10 inches 

Range: Bay of Fundy to Gul f of Mexico 

Bone (maxillary bone) forming the bottom edge 

of upper jaw reaches about to g111 opening 

and is painted at its posterior tip. 

STRIPED ANCHOVY Anchoa hOp •• 'UB 

Maximum sias: About 6 inches 

Range: Nova Scot 1a to Uruguay. 

ANCHOVY - SHAPED FISHES 

I 

(continued from 

preceding page) 

(CONTINUED) 

Ventral fins located in front of dorsa 1 fi n. Mouth extends beyond eye. 

/ Start of dorsal fin far'the' 

forward than tar. 0)', anal fin 

---"\ 

Start of dorsal fin di rectly 

over start of anal fin. 

@ \ ~L~ 

Bone (,...1114ry bone) fanning bottom edge of upper jaw stops far in front of gill openlnq 

and 1s rounded at its posterior tip. 

'"'= " ,....-' 

S I LV E R ANCHOVY DIg_ L '" r""1/" ~.l.l.t-imwnr sba -' Abou t 6 1 nche!. 

Iiim(l .. : In sUlmler It 1 S cOIfrnOn offShore between Massachusetts and North Carolina 

BAY ANCHOVY ~""" ""..,"'1, Y.l..r'i.r4!1 Biu: About l's inches 

i43ine to Texas. 
....... 

CO 

The lateral 1 ioe is black; a b 1 ad blotch on each shou 1 der. 

HADDOCK Me'Lanogrcurmus aeg7,efinu,~ 

Maximum size: 44 inches, about 37 pounds 

Range: Both sides of the Atlantic. In North America. from West Greenland to North Carolina. 

COD FAMILY - ONE OR THREE DORSAL FINS 

Til ree sepa ra te dorsa 1 fi ns One dorsa 1 fi n 

and two anal fins. and one anal fin. 

------- ·-l The lateral line ;s pale; 

there is no shoulder blotch. 

The lower jaw projects beyond 

the upper; the chin barbel is 

very small, if there is one. 

POLLOCK PoZlachiu8 virens Maximum size: 3".i feet. about 35 pounds 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In 

North America. from Gul f of St. Lawrence to 

North Carol ina. 

"" CUSK BT'Osme broBme 

Maximum size: 3J.s; feet. about 27 pounds 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. 

In North America. from Newfoundland to New Jersey in moderately deep water. 

Although the cusk has the fin shape of the eels (that is, a Single, long dorsal fin and a single long anal 

fin) and is included in the eel section of this 

guide, it is also included here since the cusk is a relative of the cod-like fishes and has a 

stout body like them . 

The upper jaw projects beyond 

the lower; the chin barbel is large. 

ATLANTIC COO Cadus morhua 

Maximwn size: More than 6 feet. about 210 pounds 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In North 

America, from West Greenland to North Carolina. 
tv 

o 

COD FAMILY - TWO DORSAL FINS 

The ventral fins are short 

and of ordinary fonn 

-, The ventral f1 ns are very 

long and feeler-like 

(A) • 

, -1 15-22 gill rakers on first gill arch (A). '9_11 gill rakers on first gill arch Scales larger (103 to 130 scales A Scales smaller (130 to 148 scales along the lateral line). along the lateral line). 

, 

SILVER HAKE Met'~UCCiU8 biUnea1'is (Whiting) 

Ma:cimwn size: 23:! feet, 5 pounds 

Range: Off Newfoundland to South Carolina. 

The ventral fins long, reaching 

beyond the mi ddl e of the ana 1 fi n. 

I 

LONGFIN HAKE Phycis chesteri 

M7xirrrwn size: 15 inches 

Range: Off Newfound 1 and to North Caro 1 ; na. In deep water, mainly between 100 and 500 fathoms. 

Lateral line ;s unbroken; 

front of first dorsal fin projects as a thread 

Lateral line is broken up by 

white spots; first dorsal fin doesn I t project as a thread 

OFFSHORE HAKE Mer7..ucciu8 albidus 

Range: From Georges Bank southward, 

50 fathoms. 

"·~;'·· ' 

~ A I' 

~i 

~ ... , 

The ventral fi ns shorter. do not reach back to the middle of the anal fin. 

sponED HAKE IJrophyais regius 

Mazimwn size: About 16 inches, about l~ pounds Range: Nova Scotia to Florida. Occurs regularly 

from southern New England to Gulf of Mexico. 

r ,,<1177; -, "M~}' Two gill rakers on the upper segment of the ' .. "il~ ., ,·'.;~.j Three gill rakers on the upper segment of the first gill arch (A). Scales smaller (120 to 149 !g~~~ first gill arch (A). Scales larger (95 to 

scales a'?ng the lateral line). Grayish or A lififJ 117 scales.alonq the later:.al line). Brownish purplish 1n color. Often heavier than 4 pounds. 'li-ifi~ to bronze ln color. Very rarely heavier Length often exceeds 20 inches (50 centimeters). -/';:' than 4 pounds. Length never over 20 inches 

< (50 centimeters). and usua lly not over 16 inches . ~,.... (40 centimeters). 

WH 1 TE HAKE U1"ophyoistenuis 

(Ling) 

Maa:irrrum size:': 4 feet. 40 pounds 

Range: Iceland to Florida. 

RED HAKE UT'Ophycis ohUBs 

(Squirrel hake, ling) frtz:ciT1TWTl size: 20; nches 

Range: Southern Nova Scotia to Nort~ Carolina. 
~ 

>-' 

BASS - SHAPED FISHES - ONE DORSAL FIN 

Two long filaments on chin. 

No long filaments on chin. 

r---------------------------

I --~ 

A large fl eshy flap on top of head. 

TILEFISH Lophol.atilus chamael.eonticeps 

M:z:rimwn size: At least 42 inches. 35 pounds 

Range: Nova Scotia to Gulf of Mexico, in depths 

of 45 to perhaps 200 fathoms. 

Tai 1 forked. 

SCUP Stenotomus chPysops 

(Porgy) 

Ma:rimwn size: 18 inches. 4 pounds 

/ No spines on cheeks. 

Eyes smaller. 

No large fleshy flap on top of head. 

Body red or orange. Spi nes 

on cheeks. Eyes larger. 

I 

BEARDFISH PoLymixia lowei 

Maximwn size: About 7 1/2 ; nches 

Range: New Jersey to South America. Deep water, 

caught mostly between 100 and 300 fathoms .. 

I I Black spot on dorsal fin. Dorsal fin No black spot on dorsal fin. Dorsal 

has 12 hard spines in front. followed fin has 14 or 15 hard spines in front. 

by fairly soft fin bones (rays). followed by fairly soft fin bones (rays). 

ROSEFISH Helicolenus dactylopterus 

Maximum size: 15 inches Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In North 

America, from Georges Bank to Florida, in depths 

of 68 to 373 fathoms. 

REDFISH Sebastes marinus (Ocean perch) 

Maximum size: Off North America, 27 inches. 13 1/2 pounds 

Range: Both sides of North Atlantic. In North 

America. west of Greenland to New Jersey. 

Range: Gulf of Maine to North Carolina. Abundant along 

the mid Atlantic states up to southern r~assachusetts. but 

never plentiful on Georges Bank or in the Gulf of Maine. 

Start of pectoral fin ;s in front of start Start of pectoral fin is behind the start of 

ventral fin. Pectoral fin long. end of pectoral 

fin often reaches to start of anal fin. 

of ventral fin. Pectoral fin shorter. end of 

pectoral fin far ;n front of start of anal fin. 

Scales on rear part of gill cover. Snout 

somewhat pointed. Profile of head rather flat. 

CUNNER TautogoZab1"US adspel"sus 

Maximum size: 15 inches, 2 1/2 pounds 

Range: Newfoundl and to Chesapeake Bay. 

I 

No scales on rear part of gill cover. 

Snout rounded. Profile of head rounded 

TAUTOG Tautoga oni tis 

Maximum size: 3 feet. about 22 pounds 

Range: Nova Scotia to South Carolina. In shallow 

depths in the immediate vicinity of the coast. 

BLACK SEA BASS Centl"Opristis striata 

l.f:Lximwn size: At least 2 feet. A weight of 7 1/2 pounds. 

Range: Maine to Florida. 
t-:l 

t-:l 

BASS-SHAPED FISHES 

, First dorsal fin ;s much lower than second dorsal fin. 

BLUEFISH Pomatomus saltatrix (Young are called Snapper) Ma:cimum size: About 3 1/2 feet, 31 pounds 

Range: In several oceans. On east coast of the Americas, Nova Scotia to Argentina. 

A single thick barbel 

at tip of lower jaw. 

NORTHERN KINGFISH MentiJirrhuB sazat:i7':8 Maximum size: 17; nches, 3 pounds 

Range: Maine to Florida. Most numerous from 

Chesapeake Bay to New York. 

The northern kingfish is conmon only north 

of Chesapeake Bay. South of Chesapeake Bay 

a close relative, the SOUTHERN KINGFISH 

Mentioirrhug amerwanu83 wi 11 be cOlllTlOn. The 

two speci es can be di s ti ngui shed as follows . 

NORTHERN KINGFISH: A dark "V" shaped mark on the side of the body in the shaul der regi on. 

Front of first dorsal fin very high and when laid 

back it reaches well beyond start of second 

dorsal fin. Color is usually dark. 

SOUTHERN KINGFISH: No dark "V" shaped mark on 

the side of the body in the shoulder region. 

Front of first dorsal fin lower and when laid 

back; t barely reaches the start of second 

dorsal fin. Color usually light. 

Chin has one or more barbels. 

r Second dorsal fin about 

twice as long as anal. 

A row of minute barbels 

on each side of lower jaw 

ATLANTIC CROAKER I>t;,r ~ l' n ",,"u/.a ~ 

Ma.ri-Irrur.I oiae: A 1 ittle over d foot 

/I "11Jc New York to Texa~ 

SPOT " 08 tom!u.l .run thurus 

TWO DORSAL FINS 

First dorsal fin ;s as high 

or higher than second dorsal fin. 

\ Chin has no barbels. 

Oar~ spot on body just 

Second dorsal fin not much 

1 anger than ana 1 fi n. 

STRIPED BASS /okll'm(. sa:ratiLis 

Harimwn size: About 6 feet. 125 pounds 

Range: Atlantic and Pacific coasts of United States. On Atlantic coast. St. Lawrence River to Florida and the 

northern Gulf of Mexico. 

behind upper edge of gill cover No dark spot on body just 

behind upper edge of gi 11 cover 

" 

WEAKFISH )fn '.e'lc~~C" Nt" -"_s 

(Squet.ague , Sea trout) 

"'h.rimk."'"! oi"! Rarely over 3 feet. Hay have reached 

30 pounds in the past; 17 112 pounds was a recent record. 

Florida to "'assachusetts Say. may stray to Nova SCvtia 

Mlrirmtm oia. 14 inches. 1 pound 6 ounces Going south from about Del aware. the SPODED SEATROUT l !<110~:·:·:n Mbuz.c.sws. 

a close relative of the weak.fish. will be encountered regularly. These two 

species can be distin9uished as follows. Ra"ll( Ma ssachuset ts Bay to Texas 

WEA"'fISH: Body covered wi th numerous irregular blotches. some of which fonn 

wavy lines runnin~ forward and downward. Soft seqmented bones of anal fio 

and second dorsa 1 fi n ha ve sea 1 es . 

SPOTIED SEATROUT: Body covered with round b lad spots. Soft se""",nted bones 

of anal fin and second dorsal fin scaleless 
~ 

v:> 

SEAROBINS AND SCULPINS -

Lower part of pectoral fins in the form of 

fee 1 ers and sepa ra ted from rema i nder of fi n. 

l._1 / 

--.:... I. ' .............. \'. ............ , \\ 

SEAROBINS 

Lower part of pectoral fins not in the form of feelers and not separated from remainder of fin. 

(see SCULPINS, next page) 

Snout seems double when seen from above. Snout not double when seen from above. 

ARfo'DRED SEAROBIN Peristedion miniatwn I>brimwn size: 14 inches Range: Georges Bank to South Carol ina. In deeper water. from 50 fathoms to over 200 fathoms. 

No stripe down side of body. Pectoral 

fin shorter, reaching only 1/2 the way 

to end of base of second dorsal fin . 

'# 

,~ 

...... 

NORTHERN SEAROBIN rnonotuB carolinu8 

Maximum size: 16 inches 

Range: Bay of Fundy to South Carolina, mainly west and south from Cape Cod. 

A prominent, dark-brown stripe down side of 

body. Pectoral fin longer, reaching about 3/4 of 

the way to end of base of second dorsal fin. 

STRIPED SEARDBIN PPionotue evolane 

Maximum size: 18 inches 

Range: Gulf of Maine to South Carolina. 
~ 

~ 

SEAROBINS AND SCULPINS - SCULPINS 

r--------· --- No fleshy flaps on lower jaw, 

top of head. or fi rs t dorsa 1 f1 n. 

lower jaw. top of head, and top edge 

of first dorsal fin have ragged fleshy flaps. 

A ser; es of bony p 1 a tes on each side of body. No bony plates on each si.:le of body. 

MOUSTACHE SCULP IN Triglops """"",yi 

(Mailed sculpin) 

Ma:cirmun siae: 8 inches 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In 

North America. north of Labrador to Cape Cod. 

The longest (uppennost) cheek spine ;s four 

times as long as the spine below it and reaches 

back to the edge of the gi 11 cover. 

LON GHORN SCULPI N Myoxooepha~u8 ootodscsmspinosUB Maximum SiBB: 18 i nche s Range: Newfoundland t o Vi r gi nia 

SEA RAVEN Hemitripte:rus amel"icanuB 

M;u:imwn siae: 25 inches. at least 7 pounds 

Range: Newfoundland to Chesapeake Bay 

The long spine on the cheek is straight. The long spine on the cheek hooks upward. 

/ 

The longest (uppennost) cheek spine is not more 

than twice as long as the spine below it and 

does not reach more than about 1/2 way to the edge of the gill cover. 

GRUBBY Myo.JXlt't6ph.J IUB o.l61klIilUB 

Ma.rtf1tW'f/ BiIlO: 8 inches 

Rangfl: Newfou ndland to New J e rsey . 

-.;~ fi'~ ~ -'.~~~' ' . 

~- "I- - . ~ 

:"R y 

~ 

\ 

HOOKEAR SCULPIN ArteduH.iu8 species 

.'tl.ri'ffW'l SiB. 4 inches Ran.,.: Both sides of North Atlantic. In 

North Ameri ca, labrador to Cape Cod. 

:J ""'. 
~ ell 

,-

Margin of tail rounded; lateral line nearly straight just behind gill opening 

FLATFISHES 

,- ---

Large mouth 1 gap; n9 back 

as far as the eye 

RIGHT- EYED FLATFISHES 

Margin of tail has sharp corners and is slightly concave; 

lateral line arched just behind gill opening. 

1~~~~~~nP~:~:E D~~)Poglo8soide8 pl.atesBoides ATLANTIC HALIBUT Hippoglo88u8 hippog'108Bu8 

Maximum size: An 8-foot halibut weighs about 350 pounds. 

Maximum size: 32 1/2 inches, 14 pounds Known to reach about 700 pounds. 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. 

In North America, labrador to r~ontauk 

Point, tlew York. 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In 

North America. from Virginia north to, or beyond, Labrador. 

Lateral line nearly straight behind gill opening. 

distance 

Depth of base 

between 

of 

outer 

tail 

I 

about 

margins 

equal 

of eyes 

to 

~ 

WITCH FLOUNDER GZyptDaephaZus aynogZo88u8 

(Gray sale) 

Maxirmon 8iae: 25 inches. about 4 pounds 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In North 

Alrerica. north of Newfoundland to North Carolina. 

Found in moderately ~eep water. 

Depth of base of tai 1 much more than 

distance between outer margins of eyes 

~~~!~~b:~~~N~~~~8~~)Leuronecte8 cunericanu8 

Maximwn size: 25 inches, 8 pounds 

Range: Newfoundland to Georgia. 

Small mouth. not gaping 

back as far as the eye 

Latera 1 1 i ne arched 

behi nd gill open; ng 

YELLOWTAIL FLOUNDER U=nda ferruginea 

Maximum size: 21 3/4 inches 

Range: Labrador to Chesapeake Bay. 
~ 

0"> 

Lateral line arched over pectoral fin. Often much longer than 7 inches. 

Body more round in outline. body about 1 1/2 times as long as broad. Front part of 

dorsal fin ;s enlarged and fringe-like. 

WINDo\~PANE SaophthaZrrrus aquosu.s 

(Sand dab. Sand flounder. Sundial) 

Maxirrrum size: 18 inches, 2 pounds 

Range: Gulf of St. Lawrence to South Carol ina. 

FLATFISHES LEFT -EYED FLATFISHES 

Lateral line is nearly straight. 

Maximum is 7 inches or less. 

Snout has a well developed bony 

protuberance I extend; n9 hori lontal1y. 

GULF STREAM FLOUNDER CithaPichthY8 arctifron8 

Ma:r:imwn size: 7 inches 

Range: Georges Bank to Yucatan, Mexico. Occurs mainly at depths of 25 to 200 fathoms. seldom as shallow as 12 fathoms. 

Body more elongate in outlinej body about 2 times as long as broad. Front part of dorsal fin ;s abl)ut like the rest of dorsal fin. 

Four large 

~ spots on upper sit;le. 

FOURS POT FLOUNDER HippogLo88U8 obLongus Ma:cimum size: 16 inches 

Range: Georges Bank to South Carolina. 

I ------1 

No bony protuberance 

extending horizontally on snout. 

SMALL MOUTH FLOUN DER EtropU8 micros~o"",s 

Ma:.cimwn oize: 6; nches Range: New England to the Gulf of Mexico. Common at depths 

of 2-15 fathoms. seldom deeper than 25 fathoms. 

Many small spots on upper side. 

• ,,1.1/ f,U .... .f, • 

~;'~~ ~ ... ~·'i..,~._. 

fl - !, .. ,j. 

~~:, .. :. 

(,,,jIf "1-.", .. 

d" rf:.:.f ') ) /.'12/ 

". .~ 

.~<~'~ '~:'-;--""'1 ... 

\\~~. , ... 

SUMMER FLOUNDER ParaUchthye dentatu8 (Fl uke) . 

Maximum size: A 37" fish has been caught which weighed 20 pounds. May reach 30 pounds. 

Range: Maine to South Carolina, maybe to Florida. 
t-:l 

-J 

MACKEREL AND TUNA-SHAPED FISHES 

The two dorsal fins touch each other or 

are separated by a space much shorter than 

the length of the first dorsal fin. 

TUNAS - A group of similar look;n!) fishes, fast 

swimming and seldom caught in otter trawls. One spec; es. the BLUEFIN TUNA Thunnus thynnu8, 

shown above. attains a weight wel1 above 1000 pounds. 

Snout short, not like a needle. 

The two dorsal fins are separated 

by a space at least as long as 

the length of the first dorsal fin. 

The sides below the midl ine 

are silvery, not spotted. 

l~ 

. -, 'i?, ,,_ .. ' -~, 

'~~ 

ATLANTIC MACKEREL Soo,,",er 800,,",""8 

Maximum size: A few reach 22 inches and about 4 pounds. 

One weighing 7 1/2 pounds is mentioned in "Fishes of the Gul f of Maine." 

Range: Both sides of the North Atlantic. In 

North America, Newfoundland to North Carolina. 

-l 

ATLANTIC SAURY Scombe!'eso:r; SQUPU8 

(Needl efi sh) 

Maximum si.a:e: 18 inches 

Range: Both s; des of the North Atl antic. In 

North AfTErica from Newfoundland to the Joiest Indies. 

The sides below the midline are spotted. 

CHUB MACKEREL ScomheT' jcrponicus 

Maximum size: 14 inches 

Range: Gulf of St. Lawrence to Virginia. 

Another group of fishes. the jacks (also called carangids) contain several.fishes that look like the mackerels. The jacks can 

be separated from the mackerels by the following characters. 

MACKERELS: The length of the base of the second dorsal ;s about equal to or smaller than the base of the first dorsal fin. 

There are four or more little fins (called finlets) between the last dorsal fin and the caudal fin. 

JACKS: When two dorsal fins are present some are present (some jacks have only one dorsal fin) the base of the second dorsal 

is much longer than the base of the first. There is one or no 1 ittle fins between the last dorsal fin and the caudal fin. 

One of the jacks, the MACKEREL SCAD Decapte:rus macareLZue is shown below. 

MACKEREL SCAD DecapteruB macareLZus 

Maximum size : About 1 foot 

Range: Nova Scotia south to warm parts of the Atlantic. 
~ 

00 

GOOSEFISH AND BUTTERFISH 

Note These two fishes should be easily distinguishable 

from all other fishes in the guide They are placed together here for lack of a better place and not because 

they resemble each other 

f ~"J, 

; ... ,;'j,,:~ "0'" ... 1" 

.. ,." .• , •. t~.t ~ _~ '''11~ '~ ."".-

~~tJ.tJ 

GOOSEFISH L)phiu8 ~.101' .r. .... 

~ 

(Angler. Monkfish) 

sias: 4 feet, 50 pounds 

Range: Near Newfoundland to North Cdrol inA 

or similar species off South Americd Same 

BuPl..RF~S.H 

Gul' 12 .nche ... 

f it lawren nd 

t: C:outh I an' tna 

Another group of fishes. the jacks (also called 

c4r4n~~1s) contafn several ffshes thdt SOfM"What 

~ 

r"eSEi-;--b e the butterfish. They can be distinguished 

be<:".l~f all Ja("ks ha,"e ventra~ f1ns. Butter-'ish t .. k ypn t ral filS 
INDEX OF COMMON NAMES -------

Page Page 

Alewife. 16 Blueback herring. 16 

Ameri can dab . 25 Bluefin tuna. 27 

American plaice. 25 Bluefish. 22 

American shad. 16 Bluntnose stingray . 12 

Anchovy . 18 Brier skate 10 

Angel shark. 9 Brown shark 8 

Angler . 28 Bullnose ray. 11 

Argentine. 17 Butterfish. 28 

Armored searobin 23 Butterfly ray 11 

Atlantic argentine 17 

Atlantic cod . 19 Catfish . 13 

Atlantic croaker 22 Chain dogfish 8 

Atlantic hagfish 13 Chub mackerel 27 t-:) 

(,0 Atlantic halibut 25 Clearnose skate 10 

Atlantic herring 15 Cod. 19 

Atlantic mackerel. 27 Common sea robin. 23 

Atlantic menhaden. 15 Conger eel. 14 

Atlantic saury . 27 Cownose ray 11 

Atlantic wolffish. 13 Croaker 22 

Cunner. 21 

Barndoor skate 9 Cusk. 13, 20 

Bass .21, 22 Cusk-eel. 14 

Bay anchovy. 18 

Beardfish. 21 Dab 25 

Big skate. 10 Dogfish . 8 

Blackback. 25 Dusky shark 8 

Blackbelly rosefish. 21 

Black sea bass 21 Eel 13, 14 

Blueback . 16 Eelpout 14 
Fawn cusk-eel. 14 Longfin hake. 20 

Flatfishes 25, 26 Longhorn sculpin . 24 

Flounder . 25, 26 

Fl uke. 26 Mackerel. 27 

Fourbeard rockling 13 Mackerel scad. 27 

Fourspot flounder. 26 MaileJ sculpin. 24 

Freshwater herring 16 Menhaden . 15 

Monkfish. 28 

Goosefish . 28 Moustache sculpin 24 

Gray sole. 25 Myctophid 17 

Greeneye . 17 

Grenadier. 13 Needlefish. 27 

Grubby . 24 Northern kingfish 22 

Gulf Stream flounder 26 Northern searobin 23 

Northern stingray 12 

Haddock. 19 ~ Hagfish. 13 Ocean catfish 13 

Hake 20 Ocean perch . 21 

Halibut. 25 Ocean pout. 14 

Herring. 15, 16 Offshore hake 20 

Herring family 15, 16 

Hickory shad . 15 Pearlsides. 17 

Hookear sculpin . 24 Perch 21 

Homed lanternfish 17 Plaice. 25 

Pogy. 15 

Jack . 27, 28 Pollock 19 

Porgy 21 

Kingfish 22 Pout. 14 

Lance 13 Rattail 13 

Lanternfishes. 17 Raven . 24 

Lemon sole . 25 Rays. 11 

Leopard skate. 9 Redfish 21 

Ling. 20 Red hake. 20 

Li ttle skate . 10 Rockling . 13 
Rosefish. 21 Sole. 25 

Rosette skate . 9 Southern kingfish . 22 

Roughtail stingray. 12 Spiny butterfly ray 11 

Round herring 15, 18 Spiny dogfish 8 

Spot. 22 

Sandbar shark 8 Spotted hake. 20 

Sand dab. 26 Spotted seatrout. 22 

Sand flounder 26 Squeteague. 22 

Sand lance. 13 Squi rrel hake 20 

Sand tiger. 8 Stingrays 12 

Saury . 27 Striped anchovy 18 

Scad. 27 Striped bass. 22 

Sculpin 24 Striped cusk-eel. 14 

Scup. 21 Striped searobin. 23 

Sea bass. 21 Sununer flounder 26 

Sea herring 15 Sundial 26 

Sea raven 24 w 

...... Searobin. 23 Tautog . 21 

Seatrout. 22 Thorny skate. 9 

Shad. 15, 16 Tilefish. 21 

Shark . 8, 9 Tuna. 27 

Shortnose greeneye. 17 

Sil ver anchovy. 18 Weakfish. 22 

Silver hake. 20 White hake. 20 

Skate . 9, 10 Whiting. 20 

Smallmouth flounder 

26 Windowpane. 26 

Smooth butterfly ray. 11 Winter flounder 25 

Smooth dogfish. 8 Winter skate. 10 

Smooth skate. 9 Wi tch flounder. 25 

Smooth-tailed skate 9 Wolffish. 13 

Snake eel 14 

Snapper. 22 Yellowtail. 25 

Yellowtail flounder 25 
an thias ~ Squalus 

. .. . 

adspersus~ Tautogo labrus. 

aeglefinus ~ Mel anogrammus 

aenaeus ~ MYoxocephalus . . 

aestivalis ~ Alosa . . . . 

agassizi ~ Chlorophthalmus 

albidus ~ Merluccius 

Alosa aestivalis . .. 

Alosa mediocris . . . 

Alosa pseudoharengus . 

Alosa sapidissima . . 

altavela~ Gymnura .. 

americanus~ Hemitrip terus 

americanus ~ Lophius . . . 

americanus ~ Macrozoarces . 

americanus ~ Menticil'rhus . 

americanus ~ Pseudopleuronec tes . 

Ammodytes species 

Anarhichas lupus . 

Anchoa hepsetus . 

Anchoa mitchilli. 

aquo us ~ Scophthalmus 

arcti rons ~ Cithari~hthus 

Argentina silus . . Artediellus speci es bair di ~ Nezumia . . 

bilinearis ~ Merluccius . 

bonasus~ Rhinoptera 

Brevoortia tyrannus 

BY'osme brosme . 

brosme ~ Brosme . 

anis~ Musteluf! 

Carangids ... 

Carchar hinus mi lberti 

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES 

?..a.9.£ Page 

8 

1 

19 

24 

16 

17 

{l0 

16 

15 

16 

1 

11 

~)4 'J f, 

11 

2 :~ 

qr: 

< . ) 

].) 

l.~ 

18 

lq 

~)C 

26 

17 

24 13 

?O 

11 

15 

13 ~ 1.' 

l,~ , 

1: 

q . ' /j 

I , 

tj 

rarr hal'hirl1~ ~ )bs pu.s . 

aY'olinu.s , Prionotus . 

Centm{ris tis .s tpiata . 

C'entrOUlYl ~ Das!}atis . Cepa ton, ' 7pP l us maderens1-s. ,'ervinwft, Lep0l!hidium. 

·hamcwk )}1f;cc'f's, [Q,h JZ:;.tiZus 

.:h(.'stel'i ~ Phyt s ... 

t:hlm'vph t-halmus a.,j ISS ' ;o; i 

ChI'YStPS , '":tP}10t

1mt03 . 

hU:; $ ~ [/n 

c·imbl'iwl , ('7' tl' 

'.,)}lcjt I ' ol €',(nl> li" 

L'l' lIeld i .t~) /', ot hidlthy;, 

La J l 0,; D fA:; , (;l ~/r tocC'pJw. Z w ; . 

t n7~:, ., 

" 

8 

23 

21 

12 

17 

14 

21 

20 

17 

21 

o 

13 

26 

15 

14 

14 

25 

62 

::12 

12 

12 

27 

" , ~O 

9 

10 

13 -, 

c 

o 

2a 

. 15. 1S 

(; ~ 

., -

,) 

f),", 

'-"r 

1 
w 

w 

Gadus morhua. 

garmani .. Raja 

glutinosa.. Mljxine 

Glyptocephalus cynoglossus . 

Gymnura altavela . 

Gymnura micrura 

harengus.. Clupea . 

Helicolenus dactylopterus 

Hemitripterus americanus . 

hepsetus .. Anchoa. . . 

Hippoglossoides platessoides. 

Hippoglossus hippoglossus 

hippogloscus .. Hippoglossus . 

Hippoglossus oblongus 

japonicus .. Scomber. 

laevis.. Raja. 

Leiostomus xanthurus. 

Lepophidium cervinum. 

Limanda ferruginea . Lophius americanus . 

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps 

lowei .. Polymixia . 

lupus .. Anarhichas 

macarellus .. Decapterus . 

Macrozoarces americanus 

maderensis .. Ceratoscopelus . 

mm1ginata.. Risso La. 

marinus .. Sebastes 

Mau1'O l icus mue lleri 

medi,ocY'is.. A losa. 

19 

9 

13 

25 

11 

11 

15 

21 

24 

18 

25 

25 

25 

26 

27 

9 

22 

14 

25 

28 

21 

21 

13 

27 

14 

17 

14 

21 

17 

15 

Melanogrammus aeglefinus. 

Menticirrhus saxatilis. 

Menticirrhus americanus 

Merluccius albidus . 

Merluccius bilinearis 

Micropogon undulatus . 

microstomus .. Etropus . 

micrura .. Gymnura . 

milberti .. Carcharhinus . 

miniatum .. Peristedion 

mitchilli .. Anchoa 

morhua.. Gadus 

Morone saxatilis. 

muelleri .. Maurolicus . 

murrayi.. Triglops 

Muste lus canis . 

Mljliobatis freminvillei 

Mljoxocephalus aenaeus 

Mljoxocephalus octodecemspinosus 

Mljxine glutinosa . 

nebulosus .. Cynoscion . 

Nezumia bairdi . 

oblongus .. Hippoglossus . 

obscurus .. Carcharhinus . 

oceanus.. Conger 

oce Uata.. Raja . 

octodecemspinosus .. Mljoxocephalus . 

Odontaspis taurus 

oni tis -' Tautoga 

Ophichthus cruentifer 

19 

22 

22 

20 

20 

22 

26 

11 

8 

23 

18 

19 

22 

17 

24 

8 

11 

24 

24 

13 

22 

13 
w 

.,. 

Paralichthys dentatus. 

Peprilus triacanthus 

Peristedion miniatum . 

Phycis chesteri . ... 

platessoides~ Hippoglossoi des. 

Pollachius virens .. 

Polymixia lowei. . . 

Pomatomus saltatrix. 

Prionotus carolinus. 

Prionotus evolans .. 

pseudoharengus~ Alosa . 

Pseudopleuronectes am nus. 

radiata~ Raja. . 

Raja eglanteria. 

Raja erinacea. 

Raja garmani . 

Raja laevis . . 

Raja ocellata. 

Raja radiata . 

Raja senta .. 

regalis~ Cynoscion 

regius ~ Urophycis. 

retifer~ Scyliorhinus. 

Rhinoptera bonasus 

Rissola marginata . . 

saltatrix~ Pomatomus 

sapidissima~ Alosa . 

saurus ~ Scomberesox . 

saxatilis ~ Menticirrhu 

saxatilis ~ Morone . 

sayi~ Dasyatis . . 

Scomber japonicus . 

Scomber scombrus . 

Scomberesox saurus 

scombrus ~ Scomber. 

Scophthalmus aquosu 

26 

28 

23 

20 

5 

19 

21 

2 

')7 u t..) 

~ 

1 

? 

10 

10 

10 

9 

'1- y " 0 

B 

1 

1 oj -~ 

;';6 

Sc:yUophinus retifep. 

Febastes marinus . 

senta ~ Raja 

siluR ~ Argentina . 

S'I,{c.1lu[; aC'~mthias 

Squatinc.1 dumerili 

Steno tomus r;hiYsopS 

striatc.1 ~ CentPOpi,istis. 

t 

8 

21 

9 

17 

8 

9 

21 

21 

8 

21 

21 

20 

15~1'7 6 7 

u8 

2'1 

15 

GG '''1 

20 

20 

20 

18 

'1 .-, 

:. 
d 

ERRATA 

NOAA TechnicaL Report NMFS Circular 428: Morphological Comparisons of North 

American Sea Bass Larvae (Pisces: Serranidae), by Arthur W. Kendall, Jr. 

Page 7, Figure 6d is incorrect. See correct Figure 6d below.