Florida's Saltwater Fish Identification

Because Florida borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, its waters are home to a vast variety of saltwater fish. Most, however, are members of families that have many characteristics in common.

  1. Drum Fish

    • Drums can be identified by their distinctive dorsal fins. The fins along their backs are separated into a fin that is a relatively steep angled triangle in front of a longer, lower along the rest of their spine. Members of the Drum family come in many sizes, some small like the Silver Perch, others, like the Black Drum, exceeding 30 pounds.

    Jacks and Pompanos

    • Members of this group come in many shapes. The bizarre Lookdown has an almost vertical "forehead" and an almost plate-like body, while the Banded Rudderfish is stream-lined and rounded. The most notable common feature of these fish is their wide, V-shaped tail. Most have a curved back that extends over their rounded heads.

    Porgies

    • Porgies have more rounded bodies than any of the other fish described here. Their dorsal fins run the length of their back without interruption and are strengthened by bony spines. They are average sized fish, usually between one and three feet, and are commonly found in shallow, grassy areas.

    Herrings

    • Most recognizable by their silvery sides and bellies, herrings can also be identified by their small triangular dorsal fin in the center of their spine. They have a sleek appearance and many members of the group have bellies that have a pronounced, downward bulge.

    Sea Bass and Grouper

    • This group is home to members of extremely different size. From the eight inch Bank Sea Bass to the 800 pound Goliath Grouper, these species share a distinctive look. Sea bass and groupers have an additional set of fins, above and below their bodies, behind their dorsal fins. They also have two sets of pectoral fins.