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Fish Identification - Saltwater

One of the most intriguing aspects of Florida marine fishing is the constant repetition of the question, "What is it?".  Rare indeed is the angler who, at some time during a fishing trip, doesn't catch a fish that must be examined closely to determine its species. Small wonder.  Our waters have more than 1,000 species of marine fish, most of them edible and all of them interesting.  Of those, more than 40 are sufficiently important for their harvest to be regulated. Six species have game fish status (redfish, snook, tarpon, bonefish, sailfish, and permit over 20 inches in length), meaning that they may not be sold.

Learning to identify fish is a fascinating study in itself and is a matter of importance to the angler; misidentification of fish can lead to fisheries violations. Included in the following listing are 114 fish commonly caught by anglers in Florida. They are grouped into Families as listed in the American Fisheries Society publication, "Common and Scientific Names of Fishes."  You can also search the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's (FWRI) Saltwater Fish Catalog.

Organization of Fish Identification Section
For those unfamiliar with the parts of a fish, a diagram is included for reference.

Description: the details most readily observed have been given top priority, since the angler has only moments to decide whether a fish is or is not a legal catch. Fin-ray counts are supplied when essential.

Similar Fish: many fish have "look-alikes," other fish that resemble them closely. In such instances, the most readily seen differences are given.

Where found: although the ocean has no fences, many fish are locked into particular habitats, information that often tells the angler where to drop the hook.

Size: anglers usually judge the size of a fish by its weight, which simplifies record keeping. Scientists use length, since age/length relationships are more reliable than age/weight.

Note: The Florida records quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's printed publication, Fishing Lines
and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.

Remarks: this includes the fish's life history (if known), behavior, and feeding habits.

Source: Fishing Lines, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's publication.

Index by common name
(Image Illustrations and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles(used by permission))

Additional Information

• How to Measure a Fish
• Fishing Lines: Fish Identification Section

To obtain permission to use Fish Illustrations or photos please contact:  Marine Fisheries Management, Outreach and Education Office  850-488-6058