Cynoscion arenarius

Cynoscion arenarius, Sand Seatrout. Source: FAO 2002.
Cynoscion arenarius, Sand Seatrout.
Source: FAO 2002.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
SciaenidaeCynoscion arenariusGinsburg1930Sand Seatrout

All Cynoscion Species: Chin without barbel. Preopercle smooth or slightly denticulate or ciliate, never with strong bony spine or serration in adult. Mouth moderate to large, horizontal to strongly oblique, terminal or lower jaw projecting in front of upper jaw. Body elongated with a pair of large canine-like teeth present on tip of upper jaw. Anal spines short and weak, less than 1/4 of first soft ray height.

Cynoscion arenarius

Unique Characters: Body with spots or stripes on back, dorsal, or caudal fins. Caudal fin truncate or emarginated in adults. Back with numerous small spots forming oblique and undulating lines, usually not extending to dorsal or caudal fins. Pectoral fin slightly longer than pelvic fin. Dotted stripes on trunk run on oblique scale rows. Anal fin with 8-10 soft rays. Pectoral fin about equal or longer than pelvic fin, less than 2 times of head length.

Similar Species:

Cynoscion regalis, Weakfish

Cynoscion regalis
Cynoscion regalis, Weakfish

Weakfish, Cynoscion regalis. Body with spots or stripes on back, dorsal, or caudal fins. Caudal fin truncate or emarginated in adults. Back with numerous small spots forming oblique and undulating lines, usually not extending to dorsal or caudal fins. Pectoral fin slightly longer than pelvic fin. Dotted stripes on trunk irregular or reticulated. Anal fin with 11-13 soft rays.

Cynoscion nothus, Silver Seatrout

Cynoscion nothus
Cynoscion nothus, Silver Seatrout

Silver Seatrout, Cynoscion nothus. Body with spots or stripes on back, dorsal, or caudal fins. Caudal fin truncate or emarginated in adults. Back with numerous small spots forming oblique and undulating lines, usually not extending to dorsal or caudal fins. Pectoral fin slightly longer than pelvic fin. Dotted stripes on trunk run on oblique scale rows. Anal fin with 8-10 soft rays. Pectoral fin shorter than pelvic fin, 2 times or more in head length.

Cynoscion nebulosus, Spotted Seatrout

Cynoscion nebulosus
Cynoscion nebulosus, Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus. Body with spots or stripes on back, dorsal, or caudal fins. Caudal fin truncate or emarginated in adults. Back with distinct spots scattered randomly on dorsal and caudal fins. Soft dorsal fin unscaled. Pectoral fin shorter than pelvic fin.