They have elongated bodies with a large, pointed snout and a projecting lower jaw. The dorsal fins are narrowly separated or continuous but deeply notched with 10 spines in the anterior portion. The pelvic fin is short and the pectoral fins are shorter than the pelvic fins. Spotted seatrout are found from Cape Cod to Mexico, but are rarely north of the Delaware Bay. They appear to be non-migratory and generally spend their entire lives within 5 to 10 miles of their natal estuary .
Estuaries are of critical importance throughout spotted seatrout life history.
The small tidal marsh creeks and shallow grass beds are the most important nursery grounds for the young. As a carnivorous fish, the spotted seatrout's eating habitats change as they grow. The diet of a small seatrout consists of crustaceans, while larger fish feed on peneid shrimp, and other fish such as striped mullet, pinfish and anchovies. Fisheries Commercially, the spotted seatrout is of minor importance due to restrictive regulations. Most commercial landings have traditionally come from Florida.