AGR 381 SALTWATER FISH Author Unknown Editor Kaci

AGR 381 SALTWATER FISH Author: Unknown Editor: Kaci Hatch

OBJECTIVES � Categorize saltwater fish into one of the three ecological groupings; � List and describe representatives species from each of the three groupings; � Describe the coastal and deep-sea habitats of saltwater fish species;

OBJECTIVES CON’T � List essential items to be considered when planning a fishing trip; � Identify locations one might visit along the Texas coast.

COASTAL HABITATS Estuary – environment where fresh and slat water mix. 2. Salt marshes – Filled with salt tolerable plants, good nutrient producing habitat. 3. Exposed beaches – very turbulent 4. Mudflats – receding tides, small invertebrates. 1.

COASTAL HABITATS Seagrass flats – support large populations of fish. 6. Near shore soft bottoms – soft, silty, featureless bottom. 5.

Terms � Estuaries – rivers current meets the sea. � Gigging – using spear like device to harvest fish. � Inhabit – to live or dwell. � Migratory – to go from one region to the other.

Saltwater Fish Identification Three Ecological Groupings: � Inshore Species � Offshore Bottom Species � Offshore Migratory Species

Inshore Species

RED DRUM Sciaenops ocellata Large black spot at the base of tail. Color range silver to bronze. AVG 3 -4 lbs.

FLOUNDER Paralycthys lethostigma Lies on its side Both eyes are on the up side Can be caught by gigging

HARDHEAD CATFISH Arius felis Dorsal and pectoral fins covered with toxic slime Can cause infection and pain

BULL SHARK Carcharhinus leucas Wide head Blunt snout Heavy body Can live in fresh or salt water

TARPON Megalops atlantica Brilliant silvery color Bony jaws Large flat scales

OFFSHORE BOTTOM SPECIES

SHEEPSHEAD Archosargus probatocephalus Convict fish Black and white bars AVG 3 -5 lbs. Over 10 lbs is uncommon

STINGRAY Dasyatis sabina Rhomboid shape Triangular snout Penetration by tail barb very painful

JEWFISH Epinephelus itajara Dark to chocolate brown with faint pale blotches. Avg. 40 – 120 lbs. Common to 300 lbs.

RED SNAPPER Lutjanus campechanus Deep rosy red color with darker fringe. Average 2 – 4 lbs. Can reach over 50 lbs.

SPANISH MACKEREL Scomberomorus maculatus Back and upper sides are blue or blue – green, shading to silver. Orange spots – feeds in schools.

OFFSHORE MIGRATORY SPECIES

WAHOO Acanthocybium solanderi Very colorful Dark blue to lavender Silver underneath

BLACKFIN TUNA Thunnus atlanticus Vertical bars and dots are located on the sides under long pectoral fins.

BLUE MARLIN Makaira nigricans Color is a deep blue above shading to silvery – white. Vertical lavender bars.

Fishing in Texas � Just a saltwater fishing stamp is $33 good from September to August � All water fishing is $38 good from September to August � One day salt water fishing will cost you $16

Fishing in Texas � Most times if you are fishing with a guide, the guide will provide anything you need. � You may need to bring more food or drinks if you desire. � You may use the guides’ rods and reels or bring your own.

Fishing in Texas � Need to consider time of year as to what fish you want to catch. � Forecast � Cost � Number of people needed for the trip.

OBJECTIVES � Categorize saltwater fish into one of the three ecological groupings; � List and describe representatives species from each of the three groupings; � Describe the coastal and deep-sea habitats of saltwater fish species;

OBJECTIVES CON’T � List essential items to be considered when planning a fishing trip; � Identify locations one might visit along the Texas coast.