| Photo - click to enlarge | Scientific name |
Common name |
Comments |
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Menidia peninsulae | Preferring reduced salinity, these fish are extremely abundant near shore in almost all Gulf estuaries where they remain through their entire life cycle. Their eggs and larvae are susceptible to damage by toxic pollutant runoff. | |
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Menidia spp | Silverside | These small fish are found in large numbers throughout Florida estuaries, where they are seen in large schools swimming near the surface. They seldom stray far from the shoreline, where they can seek shelter from needlefish, seatrout, and various other predators. Silversides spawn during much of the year, and scatter eggs which sink and adhere to bottom vegetation, rocks, et. |
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Microgobius gulosus | Clown goby | Juvenile is dull yellow with light spots and blotches. The adult has stronger patterns on both body and fins. Grows to three inches in length. |
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Monacanthus hispidus | Planehead filefish | A slow mover that, along with other members of its family, are found everywhere from shallow grass flats to offshore floating seaweeds. A resilient little fish, it does well in an aquarium, but is best kept with other aggressive fishes. |
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Mugil cephalus | Striped mullet | An important commercial fish that can grow to well over a foot in length. Huge schools of adults migrate offshore each fall to spawn, then return to bays and estuaries. When ½" to ¾" long, juveniles migrate inshore. They can withstand wide swings in temperature and salinity. |
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Nicholsina usta | Emerald parrotfish | A denizen of sea grass beds and open shallows. Unlike other parrot fishes, its teeth are not fused. |