The marine fishes of North Carolina are much more difficult to quantify than the freshwater fishes. Freshwater fishes are contained in the particular river, creek, or lake in which they live, but non-native marine fishes could potentially get caught in the Gulf Stream, or drift with changing weather, and end up in state waters. Technically, North Carolina state waters only extend three miles from the coast, so many of the “marine fishes of North Carolina” that anglers come to the state to catch, don’t even live in the state!
In an attempt to make sense of what actually qualifies as a marine fish from the state, we have put together a rough and unreviewed list based on state and federal data sets and personal observations. Authored by Fritz Rohde (National Marine Fisheries Service), Scott Smith (North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries), and Christina Schobernd (National Marine Fisheries Service), it is the most complete compilation of its type that we are familiar with, and includes marine fishes that live off the coast of the state, without regard to the territorial 3-mile limit.
Family names (listed below in alphabetical order), scientific names, and common names follow the California Academy of Sciences’ Catalog of Fishes Online Database (www.calacademy.org/scientists/projects/catalog-of-fishes; Fricke et al. 2020) and Page et al. (2013).
If you wish to browse our photographic library of the fishes instead, please see the following page: Marine Fishes Photograph Gallery.
Families:
Acanthuridae
Surgeonfishes – Deep-bodied, laterally compressed, and round to oval in profile. Head profile steep. Eyes relatively small. Mouth small and not protrusible. Dorsal fin continuous. Lateral caudal peduncle with one or more spines or keeled, bony plates (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Acanthurus bahianus – Ocean Surgeon
Acanthurus chirurgus – Doctorfish
Acanthurus coeruleus – Blue Tang
Achiridae
American Soles – Deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Mouth small. Eyes small to minute and right-facing. Preopercular margin concealed or appears as a groove. Pectoral fins small to absent; eyed-side pelvic fin free or joined to anal fin (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Achirus lineatus – Lined Sole
Gymnachirus melas – Naked Sole
Trinectes maculatus – Hogchocker
Acipenseridae
Sturgeons – Elongate and stout with a five rows of keeled, bony scutes on body. The head covered in bony plates. The mouth inferior and preceded by four barbels (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Acipenser brevirostrum – Shortnose Sturgeon
Acipenser oxyrinchus – Atlantic Sturgeon
Acropomatidae
Lanternbellies – oblong and moderately compressed. Snout short and rounded. Upper jaw protrusible. Eyes large. Opercle with 1 or 2 spines on rear margin. Dorsal fins nearly to completely separate (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Synagrops bellus – Blackmouth Bass
Synagrops spinosus – Keelcheek Bass
Synagrops trispinosus – Threespine Bass
Albulidae
Bonefishes – Elongate and cylindrical in shape with a single dorsal fin and a deeply forked caudal fin. Snout conical; mouth subterminal. Body translucent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Albula vulpes – Bonefish
Alepisauridae
Lancetfishes – Elongate, slender, and laterally compressed. Mouth large and toothy, extending past the large eyes. Dorsal fin long-based and sail-like. Small adipose fin present. Caudal peduncle with a lateral keel (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Alepisaurus ferox – Longnose Lancetfish
Alopiidae
Thresher Sharks – Round, streamlined body with a very long asymmetrical caudal fin. Head short with a pointed snout. 4th and 5th gill slits are above the pectoral fin base. Pectoral fins as long or longer than head; 2nd dorsal fin and anal fin very small (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Alopias superciliosus – Bigeye Thresher
Alopias vulpinus – Common Thresher Shark
Alosidae
Shads – Laterally compressed. Body typically silvery. Mouth usually upturned, without a notch at the upper jaw tip. A row of scutes usually present along the abdomen. Dorsal fin single; caudal fin deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Alosa aestivalis – Blueback Herring
Alosa mediocris – Hickory Shad
Alosa pseudoharengus – Alewife
Alosa sapidissima – American Shad
Brevoortia smithi – Yellowfin Menhaden
Brevoortia tyrannus – Menhaden
Ammodytidae
Sand Lances – Slender and elongate. Head small; snout pointed. Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw; teeth absent. Dorsal and anal fins lacking spines; caudal fin separate and forked; pelvic fins usually absent. Lateral line high on the body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ammodytes americanus – American Sand Lance
Anguillidae
Freshwater Eels – Long and round in cross-section. Dorsal and anal fins conjoined with caudal fin; pectoral fins well developed. Snout short and acute to rounded. Lower jaw protrudes; teeth small. Body scaled (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Anguilla rostrata – American Eel
Antennariidae
Frogfishes – Very small to medium-sized with rounded bodies. The mouth large, oblique, and toothy. Gill openings located behind pectoral fins. The first dorsal-fin spine separate, modified and bearing a lure. Pectoral fins elongate and leg-like (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Antennarius striatus – Striated Frogfish
Fowlerichthys ocellatus – Oscellated Frogfish
Fowlerichthys radiosus – Singlespot Frogfish
Histrio histrio – Sargassumfish
Apogonidae
Cardinal Fishes – Small, oblong, and moderately compressed. Snout short; mouth and eyes large. Caudal peduncle long (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Apogon affinis – Bigtooth Cardinalfish
Apogon gouldi – Deepwater Cardinalfish
Apogon maculatus -Flamefish
Apogon pseudomaculatus – Twospot Cardinalfish
Astrapogon alutus – Bronze Cardinalfish
Phaeoptyx conklini – Freckled Cardinalfish
Argentinidae
Argentines – Elongate with a small mouth and large eyes. Single dorsal fin located at the midbody line. Adipose fin present. Scales easily shed (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Argentina silus – Atlantic Argentine
Argentina striata – Striated Argentine
Glossanodon pygmaeus – Pygmy Argentine
Ariidae
Sea Catfishes – Moderately elongate with long barbels around a broad mouth, The head depressed with a bony shield. Dorsal and pectoral fins possess serrated spines. Adipose fin always present. Skin scaleless (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ariommatidae
Ariommatids – Small, slender to moderately deep-bodied, and laterally compressed to rounded in cross-section. Mouth small, snout short and blunt. Dorsal fins separate; first dorsal fin and pelvic fins insert into a groove; second dorsal and anal fins about the same shape. Two low, fleshy keels on caudal-fin base (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ariomma bondi – Silver-rag
Ariomma melanum – Brown Driftfish
Ariomma regulus – Spotted Driftfish
Atherinopsidae
New World Silversides – Typically small, translucent fishes with a silvery stripe on each side. Upper jaw protractile. Two well-separated dorsal fins, the first with 2-9 spines. Pectoral fins high on the body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Membras martinica – Rough Silverside
Menidia beryllina – Inland Silverside
Menidia menidia – Atlantic Silverside
Aulopidae
Flagfins – Elongate and oval in cross-section. Mouth wide and toothy. Single dorsal fin expanded and originating on the anterior one-third of the body. Adipose fin present (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Aulopus filamentosus – Yellowfin Aulopus
Aulostomidae
Trumpetfishes – Elongate with a small mouth and a tube-like snout. Chin with a small barbel. First dorsal fin with a series of isolated spines; caudal fin rounded (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Aulostomus maculatus – Atlantic Trumpetfish
Balistidae
Triggerfishes – Deep bodied and moderately compressed. Mouth small with a single row of strong teeth. Gill openings short and slit-like. Patch of enlarged scales above the pectoral fins usually present. First dorsal fin with three stout spines, second locks first upright. Second dorsal- and anal-fin rays branched. Scales plate-like and geometric (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Balistes capriscus – Gray Triggerfish
Balistes vetula – Queen Triggerfish
Canthidermis maculata – Rough Triggerfish
Canthidermis sufflamen – Ocean Triggerfish
Xanthichthys ringens – Sargassum Triggerfish
Bathysauridae
Deepsea Lizardfishes – Head very depressed; eyes small, set well back from snout. Mouth very large, upper jaw extending well beyond rear end of eye. Dorsal adipose fin present or absent. Procurrent and principle rays of caudal fin with a row of scales. Teeth present on vomer; gill rakers reduced to patches of spines on the arches (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002)).
Bathysaurus ferox – Deepsea Lizardfish
Bathysaurus mollis – Highfin Lizardfish
Batrachoididae
Toadfishes – Small to medium in size. The head broad and flattened, with eyes on top. Barbels or fleshy tabs sometimes around mouth and head. First dorsal fin with 2 or 3 spines. Pelvic fins on the throat (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Opsanus sp. – Undescribed species of Opsanus
Opsanus tau – Oyster Toadfish
Porichthys plectrodon – Atlantic Midshipman
Belonidae
Needlefishes – Long and slender with long, pointed jaws. Mouth with many sharp teeth. Single dorsal and anal fins are near the tail; caudal fin may be emarginate or asymmetrical. Body either oval or round in cross-section (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ablennes hians – Flat Needlefish
Platybelone argalus – Keeltail Needlefish
Strongylura marina – Atlantic Needlefish
Tylosurus acus – Atlantic Agujón
Tylosurus crocodilus – Houndfish
Bembropidae
Flatheads – Elongate with a flattened head and snout. Mouth very large. Eyes large, closely set on top of head. Dorsal fins separate. First dorsal fin (when present) short-based, second dorsal fin long-based (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Bembrops gobioides – Goby Flathead
Berycidae
Alfonsinos – Moderate-sized with moderately to deeply compressed bodies. Mouth large and oblique. Eyes very large. Preopercle spineless. Dorsal fin single and short-based (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Beryx decadactylus – Red Bream
Beryx splendens – Splendid Alfonsino
Blenniidae
Combtooth Blennies – Small and scaleless. Head usually very blunt. Nostrils sometimes with fleshy flaps. Eyes often with cirri, fleshy flaps, or tentacles. Mouth small; comb-like teeth closely packed in a single row, fixed or moveable; some with canine teeth. Pectoral-fin rays unbranched; caudal-fin rays branched or not (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Chasmodes bosquianus – Striped Blenny
Hypleurochilus geminatus – Crested Blenny
Hypsoblennius hentz – Feather Blenny
Hypsoblennius ionthas – Freckled Blenny
Ophioblennius macclurei – Redlip Blenny
Parablennius marmoreus – Seaweed Blenny
Scartella cristata – Molly Miller
Bothidae
Lefteye Flounders – Somewhat to very deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Mouth moderate to large and protrusible. Eyes left-facing (rarely right-facing), close-set or widely separated. Pelvic fin on eyed side larger and with longer base than blind-side fin (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Bothus ocellatus – Eyed Flounder
Bothus robinsi – Twospot Flounder
Engyophrys senta – Spiny Flounder
Monolene antillarum – Slim Flounder
Monolene sessilicauda – Deepwater Flounder
Trichopsetta ventralis – Sash Flounder
Bramidae
Pomfrets – Medium to large, laterally compressed, and round to teardrop-shaped. Eyes large. Lower jaw protrudes. Dorsal and anal fins long-based either low, lobed, or fan-like. Scales covering head and body large and often keeled (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Brama brama – Atlantic Pomfret
Brama caribbea – Carribean Pomfret
Brama dussumieri – Lowfin Pomfret
Pterycombus brama – Atlantic Fanfish
Taractes rubescens – Keeltail Pomfret
Taractichthys longipinnis – Bigscale Pomfret
Bythitidae
Viviparous Brotulas – Moderately elongate. Dorsal and anal fins continuous with or free of caudal fin. Scales present in most species. Chin babrbel absent. Opercle with a well-developed spine. Pelvic fins, when present, with 1 or 2 rays (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Stygnobrotula latebricola – Black Brotula
Bythites gerdae – (No Common Name) Viviparous Brotula
Thalassobathia sp. – (No Common Name) Viviparous Brotula
Diplacanthopoma sp. – (No Common Name) Viviparous Brotula
Callionymidae
Dragonets – Small, elongate, and variably flattened anteriorly. Head moderate to greatly expanded. Gill openings small pores behind upper head. Preopercle with a strong, variably shaped spine. First dorsal fin often tall and sometime filamentous; pelvic fins attached by membrane to pectoral-fin base (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Diplogrammus pauciradiatus – Spotted Dragonet
Foetorepus agassizii – Spotfin Dragonet
Paradiplogrammus bairdi – Lancer Dragonet
Caproidae
Boarfishes – Moderately to extremely deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Snout relatively short; mouth small with protrusible upper jaw. Head profile above eyes concave. Dorsal and anal fins with strong anterior spines, notched and long-based; pelvic fins present (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Antigonia capros – Deepbody Boarfish
Antigonia combatia – Shortspine Boarfish
Carangidae
Jacks and Pompanos – Small to large fishes with body shapes varying from deep and compressed to elongate and fusiform. Eyes with an adipose lid that is either poorly or strongly developed. First dorsal well-developed or series of spines. Most species with a forked caudal fin. First 1 or 2 anal fin spines separate and may be embedded. Many with bony scutes along lateral line. Body shape and coloring change dramatically with age (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Alectis ciliaris – African Pompano
Caranx bartholomaei – Yellow Jack
Caranx crysos – Blue Runner
Caranx hippos – Crevalle Jack
Caranx latus – Horse-eye Jack
Caranx lugubris – Black Jack
Caranx ruber – Bar Jack
Chloroscombrus chrysurus – Atlantic Bumper
Decapterus macarellus – Mackerel Scad
Decapterus punctatus – Round Scad
Decapterus tabl – Redtail Scad
Elagatis bipinnulata – Rainbow Runner
Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus – Bluntnose Jack
Naucrates ductor – Pilotfish
Oligoplites saurus – Leatherjack
Pseudocaranx dentex – White Trevally
Selar crumenophthalmus– Bigeye Scad
Selene setapinnis – Atlantic Moonfish
Selene vomer – Lookdown
Seriola dumerili – Greater Amberjack
Seriola fasciata – Lesser Amberjack
Seriola rivoliana – Almaco Jack
Seriola zonata – Banded Rudderfish
Trachinotus carolinus – Florida Pompano
Trachinotus falcatus – Permit
Trachinotus goodei – Palometa
Trachurus lathami – Rough Scad
Uraspis secunda – Cottonmouth Jack
Carapidae
Pearlfishes – Elongate, scaleless bodies taperring to a pointed tail. Anal fin originating anteriorly on body with its rays taller than dorsal fin rays. Chin barbel and pelvic fins absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Carapus bermudensis – Pearlfish
Carcharhinidae
Requiem Sharks – Head neither flattened nor laterally expanded. Eyes circular or oval with well developed nictitating membranes. Spiracles absent or very small. Mouth usually large, extending well beyond the eyes. Caudal fin long, asymmetrical, and with rippled or undualting dorsal margin.
Carcharhinus acronotus – Blacknose Shark
Carcharhinus brevipinna – Spinner Shark
Carcharhinus falciformis – Silky Shark
Carcharhinus isodon – Finetooth Shark
Carcharhinus leucas – Bull Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus – Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus longimanus – Oceanic Whitetip Shark
Carcharhinus obscurus – Dusky Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus – Sandbar Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier – Tiger Shark
Negaprion brevirostris – Lemon Shark
Prionace glauca – Blue Shark
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae – Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Centrolophidae
Medusafishes – Medium to large and elongate to robust. The mouth relatively large. Jaws with a single row of small, conical teeth. Dorsal fin continuous; caudal peduncle thick; pelvic fins insert into a groove (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Hyperoglyphe perciformis – Barrelfish
Schedophilus medusophagus – Brown Ruff
Centropomidae
Snooks – Moderately elongate and laterally compressed. The mouth is large with a protruding jaw. Preopercles have a serrated lower margin. Head profile is almost straight to concave. Lateral lines is well developed and extends onto caudal fin, which is forked. Dorsal fins are separate. Anal fin has three strong spines, the second being the stoutest (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Centropomus undecimalis – Common Snook
Cetorhinidae
Basking Shark – Very large and stout. Snout pointed and may be long. Eyes relatively small. Large mouth opens to reveal five long gill plates. Gill slits nearly encircle the throat and anterior to pectoral fins. Caudal peduncle possesses a distinct keel (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Cetorhinus maximus – Basking Shark
Chaenopsidae
Tube Blennies – Small, elongate, and scaleless. Cirri on nostrils and over eyes vary in complexity. Lateral line absent. Caudal fin separate from dorsal and anal fins. Body transparent to darkly pigmented (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Emblemaria atlantica – Banner Blenny
Emblemaria piratula – Pirate Blenny
Chaetodontidae
Butterflyfishes – Oval, round, or rhomboid in profile, deep-bodied, and compressed. Mouth small; snout blunt to long and pointed. Preopercular margin may be serrated, but prolonged spine is absent at the lower angle. Dorsal fin continuous to slightly notched; spiny portion may be tall and deeply incised (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Chaetodon capistratus – Foureye Butterflyfish
Chaetodon ocellatus – Spotfin Butterflyfish
Chaetodon sedentarius – Reef Butterflyfish
Chaetodon striatus – Banded Butterflyfish
Prognathodes aculeatus – Longsnout Butterflyfish
Prognathodes aya – Bank Butterflyfish
Prognathodes guyanensis – Guyana Butterflyfish
Chlorophthalmidae
Greeneyes – Small and slender. Mouth large. Eyes large, pupil teardrop-shaped. Dorsal fin inserts on anterior one-third of body. Adipose fin present (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Chlorophthalmus agassizi – Shortnose Greeneye
Parasudis truculenta – Longnose Greeneye
Clupeidae
Herrings – Cylindrical in shape or laterally compressed. Body typically silvery. Mouth usually upturned and may have a notch at the upper jaw tip. Row of scutes usually present along the abdomen. Dorsal fin single; caudal fin deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Clupea harengus – Atlantic Herring
Etrumeus sadina – Round Herring
Congridae
Conger Eels – Elongate, sepentine, and medium to very large. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins confluent. Snout short to long and usually longer than the lower jaw. Upper lips usually groooved. Eyes large and well develped. Pectoral fins usually present (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ariosoma balearicum – Bandtooth Conger
Bathycongrus dubius – Dubious Conger
Bathycongrus vicinalis – Neighbor Conger
Conger oceanicus – Conger Eel
Gnathophis bracheatopos – Longeye Conger
Heteroconger luteolus – Yellow Garden Eel
Paraconger caudilimbatus – Margintail Conger
Rhynchoconger flavus – Yellow Conger
Rhynchoconger gracilior – Whiptail Conger
Uroconger syringinus – Threadtail Conger
Coryphaenidae
Dolphinfishes – Elongate and laterally compressed. Head profile rounded in females, steeply sloping in adult males. Spineless dorsal fin originating on the head and reaching to the caudal peduncle. Caudal fin deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Coryphaena equiselis – Pompano Dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus – Dolphnfish
Cynoglossidae
Tonguefishes – Moderately deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Body lance- or tongue-shaped, tapering to a blunt or pointed tail. Mouth small. Eyes small and left-facing. Dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal fin; pectoral fins absent. Eyed-side pelvic fin, when present, confluent with anal fin. Lateral line absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Symphurus billykrietei – Chocolatebanded Tonguefish
Symphurus civitatium – Offshore Tonguefish
Symphurus diomedeanus – Spottedfin Tonguefish
Symphurus marginatus – Margined Tonguefish
Symphurus minor – Largescaled Tonguefish
Symphurus nebulosus – Freckled Tonguefish
Symphurus plagiusa – Blackcheek Tonguefish
Symphurus pusillus – Spottail Tonguefish
Symphurus urospilus Spottail Tonguefish
Cyprinodontidae
Pupfishes -Short and deep-bodied. Single dorsal fin located posteriorly; pectoral fins set low on the body; caudal peduncle and caudal fin broad. Females larger than males (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Cyprinodon variegatus – Sheepshead Minnow
Dactylopteridae
Flying Gurnards – Elongate and squarish in cross-section with a bony head, blunt snout, and expanded pectoral fins. Top and sides of head covered in bony plates; keeled spines extend from nape. Preopercle with a long spine (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dactylopterus volitans – Flying Gurnard
Dactyloscopidae
Sand Stargazers – Small and moderately elongate. Eyes set on top of head, small, and stalked. Snout very short. Mouth oblique and may have fringed lips. Upper edge of opercle often fringed; lower portion of opercle expanded. Dorsal fin continuous (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dactyloscopus moorei – Speckled Stargazer
Dactyloscopus tridigitatus – Sand Stargazer
Dalatiidae
Kitefin Sharks – Head short; eyes large. Gill slits small and anterior to the pectoral fins. Dorsal fins lack spines. Luminous organs present on venteal surface (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dalatias licha – Kitefin Shark
Dasyatidae
Whiptail Stingrays – Body flattened, expanded, and rhomboid or oval in shape. Pectoral fins very broad and extend to tip of snout. Snout blunt or pointed. Eyes and spiracles on top of the head. Pelvic fins single-lobed; caudal fin absent. Tail long, whip-like, possessing one ore more serrated, venomous spines (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Bathytoshia centroura – Roughtail Stingray
Hypanus americanus – Southern Stingray
Hypanus sabinus – Atlantic Stingray
Hypanus say – Bluntnose Stingray
Diodontidae
Porcupinefishes – Somewhat robust, becoming round when inflated. Mouth small, with fused teeth forming a strong “beak”. Gill openings slit-like. Spiny dorsal fin and pelvic skeleton absent. Body covered in tough, elastic skin, and short to long spine-like scales. Some with spines always erect, others with spines erect only when inflated (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Chilomycterus antillarum – Web Burrfish
Chilomycterus reticulatus – Spotted Burrfish
Chilomycterus schoepfi – Striped Burrfish
Diodon eydouxii – Pelagic Porcupinefish
Diodon holocanthus – Balloonfish
Diodon hystrix – Porcupinefish
Dorossomatidae
Thread Herrings – Laterally compressed. Body typically silvery. Mouth usually upturned, with or without a notch at the upper jaw tip. A row of scutes usually present along the abdomen. Dorsal fin single; caudal fin deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dorosoma cepedianum – Gizzard Shad
Dorosoma petenense – Threadfin Shad
Harengula jaguana – Scaled Sardine
Opisthonema oglinum – Atlantic Thread Herring
Sardinella aurita – Spanish Sardine
Echeneidae
Remoras – Elongate and round in cross-section. Head broad and flattened. First dorsal fin modified into an oval-shaped cephalic disk that the remora uses to attach itself to a host (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Echeneis naucrates – Sharksucker
Echeneis neucratoides– Whitefin Sharksucker
Phtheirichthys lineatus – Slender Suckerfish
Remora australis – Whalesucker
Remora brachyptera – Spearfish Remora
Remora osteochir – Marlinsucker
Remora remora – Remora
Eleotridae
Sleepers – Small to moderately sized and elongate to somewhat stout. Head usually flattened dorsally; eyes widely separated. Two dorsal fins present; second dorsal-fin base shorter than the distance between its rear origin and caudal-fin origin; pelvic fin bases close together or united, but fins separate (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dormitator maculatus – Fat Sleeper
Eleotris amblyopsis – Largescaled Spinycheek Sleeper
Erotelis smaragdus – Emerald Sleeper
Elopidae
Tenpounders – Elongate and cylindrical in shape. The upper jaw extending past the eye. The single dorsal fin with a concave margin; caudal fin deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Elops saurus – Ladyfish
Emmelichthyidae
Rovers – Moderately elongate with dorsal and ventral profiles similarily shaped. Mouth highly protrusible, with lower jaw projecting beyond the upper. Teeth, when present, conical and located anteriorly. Most of head and maxilla covered with scales. Dorsal fin deeply notched or divided. Color usually reddish dorsally, silvery below (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Erythrocles monodi – Crimson Rover
Engraulidae
Anchovies – Relatively small with a blunt, rounded snout and a single dorsal fin. Snout extending beyond jaws which are long, slender, and extend almost to end of gill cover. Eyes large. Lateral line absent. All with a thin to wide silvery lateral stripe. Scales delicate; easily shed (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Anchoa cubana – Cuban Anchovy
Anchoa hepsetus – Striped Anchovy
Anchoa lyolepis – Dusky Anchovy
Anchoa mitchilli – Bay Anchovy
Anchoviella perfasciata – Flat Anchovy
Engraulis eurystole – Silver Anchovy
Ephippidae
Spadefishes – Deep-bodied and circular to oblong in profile. Head short and body deeply compressed. Jaws with slender, moveable, brush-like teeth. First dorsal fin distinct from second and usually notched in most. Preopercle smooth to serrate, lacking a prominent spine at corner (Kells and Carpneter 2011).
Chaetodipterus faber – Spadefish
Etmopteridae
Lantern Sharks – Small and cylindrical in shape. Snout short to moderately long. Eyes large and well developed. Spiracles large and set just behind eyes. Snout short. Gill slits small and low on the body or near body midline. Dorsal fins with a strong, grooved spine; first dorsal fin usually smaller than second; anal fin absent; caudal fin low and notched (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Etmopterus gracilispinis – Broadband Lantern Shark
Exocoetidae
Flyingfishes – Small to medium-sized with very long pectoral fins set high on body. Pectoral fins almost always extending past dorsal-fin origin; pelvic fins usually expanded; caudal fin deeply forked with a long lower lobe. Lateral line along the lower margin of the body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Cheilopogon cyanopterus – Margined Flyingfish
Cheilopogon exsiliens – Bandwing Flyingfish
Cheilopogon furcatus – Spotfin Flyingfish
Cheilopogon heterurus – Blotchwing Flyingfish
Cheilopogon melanurus – Atlantic Flyingfish
Cypselurus comatus – Clearwing Flyingfish
Exocoetus obtusirostris – Oceanic Two-wing Flyingfish
Exocoetus volitans – Tropical Two-wing Flyingfish
Hirundichthys affinis – Fourwing Flyingfish
Hirundichthys rondeletii – Blackwing Flyingfish
Parexocoetus hillianus – Sailfin Flyingfish
Prognichthys occidentalis – Bluntnose Flyingfish
Fistulariidae
Cornetfishes – Slender, elongate, and slightly depressed in shape. Mouth small; snout tube-like. First dorsal fin absent; second dorsal fin and anal fin similar in shape; caudal fin forked with a long filamnet trailing from the middle rays.
Fistularia petimba – Red Cornetfish
Fistularia tabacaria – Bluespotted Cornetfish
Fundulidae
Topminnows – Small with elongate to moderately deep bodies. The head usually flattened. Snout short and mouth protrusible. Lower jaw protruding beyond the upper. Single dorsal fin located posterior to midlength. Males with larger anal fins than females. Females larger than males (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Fundulus confluentus – Marsh Killifish
Fundulus heteroclitus – Mummichog
Fundulus luciae – Spotfin Killifish
Fundulus majalis – Striped Killifish
Lucania parva – Rainwater Killifish
Gadidae
Cods – Small to large with moderately elongate bodies with three dorsal fins. Mouth large and chin barbel usually present. Caudal fin well-developed and symmetrical. V-shaped ridge on head absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Gadus morhua – Atlantic Cod
Pollachius virens – Pollock
Gasterosteidae
Sticklebacks – Small, typically elongate, and scaleless. Dorsal-fin spines isolated and usually stout and sharp. Pelvic fins usually consist of a stout spine and 1 or 2 soft spines (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Apeltes quadracus – Fourspine Stickelback
Gempylidae
Snake Mackerels – Very elongate to moderately deep-bodied. Lower jaw protruding. Teeth strong, some fang-like. First dorsal fin long-based.; finlets follow second dorsal fin in some species; pelvic fins small, rudimentary, or absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Diplospinus multistriatus – Striped Escolar
Gempylus serpens – Snake Mackerel
Lepidocybium flavobrunneum – Escolar
Nealotus tripes – Black Snake Mackerel
Nesiarchus nasutus – Black Gemfish
Promethichthys prometheus – Roudi Escolar
Ruvettus pretiosus – Oilfish
Gerreidae
Moderately slender to deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Upper jaw highly protrusible. Dorsal fin continuous with a slight to deep notch between the spiny and soft portions. Bases of dorsal and anal fins scaled; caudal fin deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Diapterus auratus – Irish Pompano
Eucinostomus argenteus – Spotfin Mojarra
Eucinostomus gula – Silver Jenny
Eucinostomus harengulus – Tidewater Mojarra
Eucinostomus jonesi – Slender Mojarra
Eucinostomus lefroyi – Mottled Mojarra
Eucinostomus melanopterus – Galfin Mojarra
Eugerres plumieri – Striped Mojarra
Gerres cinereus – Yellowfin Mojarra
Ginglymostomatidae
Nurse Sharks – Almost cylindrical in shape with a long, low caudal fin. Snout short and rounded. Nostrils bear obvious barbels. Gills slits small and spiracles smaller than eyes. Dorsal fins similar in size and shape (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ginglymostoma cirratum – Nurse Shark
Gobiesocidae
Clingfishes – Small and scaleless. Head and anterior portion of body generally rounded and flattened. Eyes on top of head. Dorsal fin single; pelvic fins modified into an adhesive, sucking disc (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Gobiesox strumosus – Skilletfish
Gobiidae
Gobies – Small to very small and elongate. Head short and broad. First dorsal fin, when present, separate from second dorsal fin; second dorsal-fin base usually longer than the distance between its rear origin and caudal-fin origin; pelvic fins separate, somewhat connected or completely united to form a disc. Lateral line absent. Body scaleless, partially scaled, or entirely scaled (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Awaous banana – River Goby
Bathygobius soporator – Frillfin Goby
Bollmannia sp. – Goby sp.
Coryphopterus glaucofraenum – Bridled Goby
Coryphopterus punctipectophorus – Spotted Goby
Ctenogobius boleosoma – Darter Goby
Ctenogobius saepepallens – Dash Goby
Ctenogobius shufeldti – Freshwater Goby
Ctenogobius smaragdus – Emerald Goby
Ctenogobius stigmaticus – Marked Goby
Elacatinus xanthiprora – Yellowprow Goby
Evermannichthys spongicola – Sponge Goby
Evorthodus lyricus – Lyre Goby
Gnatholepis thompsoni – Goldspot Goby
Gobioides broussonnetii – Violet Goby
Gobionellus oceanicus – Highfin Goby
Gobiosoma bosc – Naked Goby
Gobiosoma ginsburgi – Seaboard Goby
Gobiosoma robustum – Code Goby
Lythrypnus elasson – Dwarf Goby
Lythrypnus phorellus – Convict Goby
Lythrypnus spilus – Bluegold Goby
Microgobius carri – Seminole Goby
Microgobius gulosus _ Clown Goby
Microgobius thalassinus – Green Goby
Priolepis hipoliti – Rusty Goby
Grammicolepididae
Tinselfishes – Deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Head relatively small. First dorsal fin short-basaed; second long-based. First dorsal- and anal-fin spines may be elongate and shorten with age. Scales vertically elongated (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Grammicolepis brachiusculus – Thorny Tinselfish
Xenolepidichthys dalgleishi – Spotted Tinselfish
Gurgesiellidae
Pygmy Skates – Long tail with dark bands. Snout short, blunt. Disk heart-shaped. Thorns around eyes, between spiracles, at shoulderws, and along midline. Tail covered in rows of thorns and denticles (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Fenestraja plutonia – Underworld Windowskate
Gymnuridae
Butterfly Rays – Very flattened and laterally expanded. Pectoral fins and body form a diamond-shaped disk. Eyes and spiracles are on top of head. Tail short and pointed and may have a serrated spine (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Gymnura altavela – Spiny Butterfly Ray
Gymnura micrura – Smooth Butterfly Ray
Haemulidae
Grunts – Oblong, moderately deep-bodied, and compressed. Dorsal head profile almost straight to convex. Snout moderately short to long. Mouth small to moderate with thick lips. Dorsal fin continuous and unnotched. Scales absent on snout and lips (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Haemulon aurolineatum – Tomtate
Haemulon melanurum – Cottonwick
Haemulon plumierii – White Grunt
Haemulon sciurus – Bluestriped Grunt
Haemulon striatum – Striped Grunt
Orthopristis chrysoptera – Pigfish
Hemiramphidae
Halfbeaks – Elongate and slender. The upper jaw is short; the lower jaw is usually very long with a fleshy tip. Single dorsal and anal fins are near the tail. The pectoral fins are short to long and set high on the body. Scales are easily shed. Lateral line runs near lower margin of body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Euleptorhamphus velox – Flying Halfbeak
Hemiramphus balao – Balao
Hemiramphus brasiliensis – Ballyhoo
Hyporhamphus unifasciatus – Atlantic Silverstripe Halfbeak
Hyporhamphus meeki – False Silverstripe Halfbeak
Oxyporhamphus micropterus – Smallwing Flyingfish
Hexanchidae
Cow Sharks – Slender to stout; distinguished by presence of 6 or 7 long gill slits – most other shar ks have 5 gill slits. Mouth very long. One dorsal fin located close to the caudal fin; caudal fin long and low (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Heptranchias perlo – Sharpnose Sevengill Shark
Hexanchus griseus – Bluntnose Sixgill Shark
Holocentridae
Squirrelfishes – Small to medium-sized with oval to moderately elongate bodies. Eyes large. Head with ridges and mucous channels. Gill covers are serrated or spiny (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Corniger spinosus – Spinycheek Squirrelfish
Holocentrus adscensionis – Squirrelfish
Holocentrus rufus – Longspine Squirrelfish
Myripristis jacobus – Blackbar Soldierfish
Ostichthys trachypoma – Bigeye Soldierfish
Sargocentron bullisi – Deepwater Squirrelfish
Inermiidae
Relatively small, elongate, and fusiforme. Upper jaw highly protrusible. Dorsal fins widely separated or divided by a deep notch. Caudal fin forked; anal fin similar in shape to, and located below, second dorsal fin (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Inermia vittata – Boga
Ipnopidae
Tripodfishes – Body oval in cross-section, snout depressed, sometimes spatulate. Mouth terminal, maxilla expanded posteriorly with a single supramaxilla. Eye variously modified and reduced, often very small or vestigial, sometimes covered by skin and scales. Adipose fin, when present, located posterior to anal-fin base; caudal fin forked, usually with lower lobe longer than upper lobe and may have elongate rays; pectoral fin variously modified, often with elongate rays; pelvic fin subthoracic, anterior to dorsal-fin insertion and may possess modified elongate rays anteriorly (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002)).
Bathytyphlops sp. – (No Common Name) Tripod Fish
Istiophoridae
Billfishes – Elongate and moderately compressed. The body tapers from head to tail. Upper jaw forms a spear-like bill round in cross section. First dorsal fin long-based and sail-like in one species. First dorsal and first anal fins insert into grooves; pelvic fins long and narrow; caudal peduncle shallowly notched in front of caudal-fin base; caudal fin with two keels at base (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Istiophorus platypterus – Sailfish
Kajikia albida – White Marlin
Makaira nigricans – Blue Marlin
Tetrapturus pfluegeri – Longbill Spearfish
Kyphosidae
Sea Chubs – Oval to oblong in profile and moderately compressed. Head short; snout blunt. Mouth small and horizontal. Dorsal fin continuous, with the spiny portion depressible into a groove (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Kyphosus incisor – Yellow Chub
Kyphosus sectatrix – Bermuda Chub
Labridae
Wrasses – Oblong in shape and slightly to strongly compressed. Upper head profile may be gently to steeply sloping. Upper jaw protrusible, lips often fleshy; teeth separate and canine-like. Dorsal fin continuous; second dorsal fin may have elongated middle rays. Scales relatively large (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Bodianus pulchellus – Spotfin Hogfish
Bodianus rufus – Spanish Hogfish
Decodon puellaris – Red Hogfish
Halichoeres bathyphilus – Greenband Wrasse
Halichoeres bivittatus – Slippery Wrasse
Halichoeres caudalis – Painted Wrasse
Halichoeres cyanocephalus – Yellowcheek Wrasse
Halichoeres garnoti – Yellowhead Wrasse
Halichoeres poeyi – Blackear Wrasse
Halichoeres radiatus – Puddingwife
Lachnolaimus maximus – Hogfish
Tautoga onitis – Tautog
Tautogolabrus adspersus – Cunner
Thalassoma bifasciatum – Bluehead
Xyrichtys novacula – Pearly Razorfish
Labrisomidae
Labrisomid Blennies – Small, body usually scaled. Head blunt to pointed. Cirri often present on nostrils and eyes. Nape with a single cirrus, multiple cirri, or fleshy tabs. Mouth small to moderate with fleshy lips. Teeth variable in size and arrangement. All fin rays, including caudal, unbranched (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Labrisomus nuchipinnis – Hairy Blenny
Starksia ocellata – Checkered Blenny
Lamnidae
Mackerel Sharks – Round body and conical snout. Large mouth with triangular-shaped teeth. Gill slits located anterior to pectoral fins. Internal gills lack gill rakers. First dorsal fin angular and erect; second dorsal and anal fins small. Caudal peduncle heavily keeled. Caudal fin lobes similarly sized (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Carcharodon carcharias – White Shark
Isurus oxyrinchus – Shortfin Mako
Isurus paucus – Longfin Mako
Lamna nasus – Porbeagle
Lamprididae
Opahs – Deep-bodied, compressed, and oval in shape. Motuh small and protrusible. Pectoral fins vertically oriented. Dorsal and anal fins are long-based. Sclaes minute and reflective (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Lampris guttatus – Opah
Liparidae
Small, tadpole-shaped, and soft-bodied. Dorsal and anal fins confluent, or nearly so with caudal fin; pectoral fins usually bilobed; pelvic fins, when present, form a suction disk used to adhere to hard surfaces (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Careproctus ranula – Scotian Snailfish
Liparis inquilinus – Inquiline Snailfish
Lobotidae
Oval to oblong, deep-bodied, and laterally compressed. Head profile steeply sloping; snout short and blunt. Second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins broad and rounded (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Lobotes surinamensis – Tripletail
Lophiidae
Goosefishes – Moderately to greatly flattened with a broad head and body tapering to the tail. Mouth broad, toothy, and usually bordered by fleshy tabs. Gill openings behind pectoral fins. First dorsal-fin spine may be isolated on the snout and act as a lure (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Lophiodes beroe – White Anglerfish
Lophiodes monodi – Clubbait Anglerfish
Lophiodes reticulatus – Reticulate Goosefish
Lophius americanus – Goosefish
Lophius gastrophysus – Blackfin Goosefish
Lutjanidae
Snappers – Elongate and moderately deep-bodied, Upper jaw moderately protrrusible. Well-developed canine-like teeth; maxilla usually scaleless. Dorsal fin unnotched to slightly notched. Color often reddish, but may be purplish to grayish with stripes or bars (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Apsilus dentatus – Black Snapper
Etelis oculatus – Queen Snapper
Lutjanus analis – Mutton Snapper
Lutjanus apodus – Schoolmaster
Lutjanus buccanella – Blackfin Snapper
Lutjanus campechanus – Red Snapper
Lutjanus cyanopterus – Cubera Snapper
Lutjanus griseus – Gray Snapper
Lutjanus jocu – Dog Snapper
Lutjanus mahogoni – Mahogany Snapper
Lutjanus purpureus – Caribbean Red Snapper
Lutjanus synagris – Lane Snapper
Lutjanus vivanus – Silk Snapper
Ocyurus chrysurus – Yellowtail Snapper
Pristipomoides aquilonaris – Slender Wenchman
Pristipomoides freemani – Wenchman
Rhomboplites aurorubens – Vermilion Snapper
Luvaridae
Louvar – Oblong in profile with a slender, keeled, caudal peduncle. Snout blunt, forehead compressed and keel-like. Dorsal fin originating just posterior to eyes in juveniles and posterior to body midpoint in adults. First dorsal- and anal-fin spines long in juveniles and shorten with age (Kells and Carpnetr 2011).
Luvarus imperialis – Louvar
Macroramphosidae
Snipefishes – Small, laterally compressed, and moderately deep-bodied with a long tube-like snout. Teeth absent. First dorsal fin with 5-8 spines; second spine is enlarged and serrated along posterior margin. Body with bony plates above pectoral fins and/or along ventral midline (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Macroramphosus scolopax – Longspine Snipefish
Macrouridae
Grenadiers – Large head, pointed to blunt snout, and body tapering to a pointed tail, eyes small to large. Small chin barbel usually pressent. First dorsal fin short-based amd relatively tall; second dorsal fin long-based, low, and continuous with anal fin; gap between first and second dorsal fins; caudal fin absent. Light organ present or absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Coryphaenoides armatus – Abyssal Grenadier
Coryphaenoides brevibarbis – Shortbeard Grenadier
Coryphaenoides carapinus – Carapine Grenadier
Coryphaenoides leptolepis -Ghostly Grenadier
Malacocephalus laevis – Softhead Grenadier
Malacocephalus occidentalis – Westrn Softhead Grenadier
Nezumia aequalis – Common Atlantic Grenadier
Nezumia bairdii – Marlin Spike
Nezumia sclerorhynchus – Bluntsnout Grenadier
Ventrifossa macropogon – Longbeard Grenadier
Malacanthidae
Tilefishes – Oblong to elongate with a single, low dorsal fin. Head profile gently to steeply sloping. Mouth moderately large and fleshy. A prominent to reduced predorsal ridge present in most species. Opercle with a single blunt or notched spine (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Caulolatilus chrysops – Goldface Tilefish
Caulolatilus cyanops – Blackline Tilefish
Caulolatilus microps – Blueline Tilefish
Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps – Tilefish
Malacanthus plumieri – Sand Tilefish
Megalopidae
Tarpons – Elongate and moderately compressed with a single dorsal fin and a deeply forked caudal fin. The mouth large and upturned, with upper jaw extending past the eyes. Anal fin long-based. Scales large (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Megalops atlanticus – Tarpon
Melamphaidae
Bigscale Fishes – Body subcylindrical. Head large; large sensory canals separated by very thin bony ridges and covered with membranous skin. One dorsal fin with 1 to 3 weak spines and 9 to 18 soft rays. Lateral line reduced to 1 or 2 pored scales behind upper edge of operculum (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002).
Scopeloberyx opisthopterus – Ridgehead
Merluccidae
Merluccid Hakes – Relatiely elongate and laterally compressed posteriorly. Snout long and depressed. Jaws large with strong, pointed teeth. Head with a V-shaped ridge. First dorsal fin short-based, second dorsal fin long-based and notched at mid-length. Chin barbel absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Merluccius albidus – Offshore Hake
Merluccius bilinearis – Silver Hake
Microdesmidae
Small, elongate to eel-like, and laterally compressed. Snout blunt; lower jaw protruding. Dorsal fin single and long-based; caudal fin separate or continuous with dorsal and anal fins; pelvic fins small and separate. Lateral line absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Microdesmus longipinnis – Pink Wormfish
Ptereleotris calliura – Blue Dartfish
Mobulidae
Mantas – Flattened and diamond-shaped. Anterior margin of pectoral fins broad, pointed, modified into cephalic fins, and attached to the elevated head. Eyes and spiracles on the sides of the head. Tail long and whip-like. Caudal fin absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Manta birostris – Giant Manta
Mobula hypostoma – Devil Ray
Molidae
Molas – Large, deep-bodied, and laterally compressed. Body profile rounded or oval to oblong. Mouth and gill openings small. Dorsal and anal fins set back on the body and similar in shape. Caudal peduncle and true caudal fin absent; caudal fin replaced by a leathery structure supported by dorsal- and anal-fin rays; pelvic fins absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Masturus lanceolatus – Sharptail Mola
Mola mola – Ocean Sunfish
Monacanthidae
Filefishes – Moderate to deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Mouth small with moderately strong teeth. Gill openings short and slit-like. First dorsal fin with 1 or 2 spines; second spine may lock first spine in an upright position. Pelvic fins absent or consisting of a movable pelvic bone; pelvic flap present in some; caudal peduncle may have spines. Scale minute and prickly (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Aluterus heudelotii – Dotterel Filefish
Aluterus monoceros – Unicorn Filefish
Aluterus schoepfii – Orange Filefish
Aluterus scriptus – Scrawled Filefish
Cantherhines pullus – Orangespotted Filefish
Monacanthus ciliatus – Fringed Filefish
Monacanthus tuckeri – Slender Filefish
Stephanolepis hispidus – Planehead Filefish
Stephanolepis setifer – Pygmy Filefish
Moridae
Deepsea Cods – Elongate with 1, 2, or rarely 3 dorsal fins; 1 or 2 anal fins; pelvic fins small or filamentous. Caudal peduncle narrow; caudal fin small. Chin barbel present or absent; light organ present or absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Antimora rostrata – Blue Antimora
Gadella imberbis – Beardless Codling
Laemonema barbatulum – Shortbeard Codling
Laemonema melanurum – (No Common Name) Codling
Physiculus karrerae – (No Common Name) Codling
Moringuidae
Spaghetti Eels – Eye reduced, except in mature Moringua. Dorsal fin begins far behind head, slightly before or well behind midlength. Lateral line on body complete or present only on trunk; on head, pores present only on lower jaw (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002)).
Moringua edwardsi – Spaghetti Eel
Neoconger mucronatus – Ridged Eel
Moronidae
Temperate Basses – Moderately elongate and somewhat laterally compressed. Opercle with two rounded to pointed spines on posterior margin. Dorsal fins completely to nearly separate; anal fin with three strong spines. Lateral line extending onto caudal fin (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Morone americana – White Perch
Morone saxatilis – Striped Bass
Mugilidae
Mullets – Medium to large in size. The head typically broad and flattened. The eyes usually partly covered by adipose lids. Snout short and mouth small or moderate in size. First dorsal fin with four spines; pectoral fins high on the body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dajaus monticola – Mountain Mullet
Mugil cephalus – Striped Mullet
Mugil curema – White Mullet
Mullidae
Goatfishes – Moderately elongate with a convex dorsal profile and nearly straight ventral profile. Dorsal fins separate; caudal fin forked. Two well-developed barbels extending from chin. Upper jaw slightly protrusible (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Mulloidichthys martinicus – Yellow Goatfish
Mullus auratus – Red Goatfish
Pseudupeneus maculatus – Spotted Goatfish
Upeneus parvus – Dwarf Goatfish
Muraenidae
Moray Eels – Elongate and somewhat laterally compressed. Dorsal and anal fins merge with the caudal fin. Snout short to relatively long. Teeth well-developed. Pectoral fins absent. Body scaleless (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Anarchias similis – Pygmy Moray
Gymnothorax conspersus – Saddled Moray
Gymnothorax hubbsi – Lichen Moray
Gymnothorax kolpos – Blacktail Moray
Gymnothorax miliaris – Goldentail Moray
Gymnothorax moringa – Spotted Moray
Gymnothorax nigromarginatus – Blackedge Moray
Gymnothorax ocellatus – Ocellated Moray
Gymnothorax polygonius – Polygon Moray
Gymnothorax saxicola – Honeycomb Moray
Gymnothorax vicinus – Purplemouth Moray
Monopenchelys acuta – Redface Moray
Muraena retifera – Reticulate Moray
Muraena robusta – Stout Moray
Uropterygius macularius – Marbled Moray
Myctophidae
Lanternfishes – Small, dark, and slender to somewhat deep-bodied, with a large head and eyes. Snout short and pointed to blunt. Mouth very large. Adipose fin present. Most species possessing a series of photophores along abdomen and on sides (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Family Myctophidae – Diagnostics and Photophore Placement
Benthosema – B. glaciale, B. suborbitale
Bolinichthys – B. distofax, B. supralateralis
Centrobranchus nigroocellatus – Roundnose Lanternfish
Ceratoscopelus – C. maderensis, C. warmingii
Diaphus – D. brachycephalus, D. dumerilii, D. garmani, D. lucidus, D. minax, D. mollis, D. perspicillatus, D. splendidus, D. taaningi
Diogenichthys atlanticus – Longfin Lanternfish
Electrona risso – Electric Lanternfish
Gonichthys cocco – Linestop Lanternfish
Hygophum – H. benoiti, H. hygomii, H. reinhardti
Lampadena chavesi – Chaves’ Lanternfish
Lampanyctus – L. alatus, L. ater, L. cf. cuprarium, L. lineatus
Lepidophanes – L. gaussi, L. guentheri
Lobianchia – L. dofleini, L. gemellarii
Myctophum – M. affine, M. asperum (= Dasyscopelus asper), M. obtusirostre (= Dasyscopelus obtusirostris), M. punctatum, M. selenops, M. nitidulum
Notolychnus valdiviae – Topside Lanternfish
Notoscopelus resplendens – Patchwork Lampfish
Taaningichthys minimus – Waistcoat Lanternfish
Myliobatidae
Eagle Rays – Flattened and rhomboid to diamond-shaped. Pectoral fins broad and pointed and attached to the elevated head. Eyes and spiracles on the sides of the head. Tail may be long and whip-like and may have a serrated spine. Caudal fin absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Aetobatus narinari – Spotted Eagle Ray
Myliobatis freminvillei – Bullnose Ray
Myliobatis goodei – Southern Eagle Ray
Myxinidae
Hagfishes – Finless, scaleless, and eel-shaped. Single nostril above the mouth. Jaws absent; mouth encircled by a series of barbels and bearing rows of keratinized, rasp-like teeth. Eyes rudimentary, lacking lenses and irises (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Myxine glutinosa – Atlantic Hagfish
Narcinidae
Electric Rays – Flattened body and pectoral fins that form an oblong disk. Eyes and spiracles on top of the head. Pelvic fins with an almost straight margin; dorsal fins large and almost equal in size; caudal fin triangular. Pair of eletric organs visible from above (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Narcine bancroftii – Lesser Electric Ray
Odontaspididae
Sand Tigers – Stout with a conical, depressed snout. Large mouth extends beyond eyes and contains protruding teeth. Gill slits low on the body and anterior to the pectoral fins. Dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins similar in size; pectoral fins relatively small.
Carcharias taurus – Sand Tiger
Ogcocephalidae
Batfishes – Flattened with head and body forming a circular to triangular disk. The rostrum short or long. Cavity under the snout with a lure. The mouth small. Gill openings behind the limb-like pectoral fins. The body covered in tubercles and/or bucklers (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Dibranchus atlanticus – Atlantic Batfish
Halieutichthys aculeatus – Pancake Batfish
Ogcocephalus corniger – Longnose Batfish
Ogcocephalus cubifrons – Polka-dot Batfish
Ogcocephalus parvus – Roughback Batfish
Ogcocephalus rostellum – Palefin Batfish
Ophichthidae
Snake Eels – Elongate and serpentine or worm-like. Caudal fin usually absent with tail ending as a hardened tip. When present, dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are confluent. Snout resent or absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ahlia egmontis – Key Worm Eel
Aprognathodon platyventris – Stripe Eel
Apterichtus ansp – Academy Eel
Apterichtus kendalli – Finless Eel
Bascanichthys bascanium – Sooty Eel
Bascanichthys scuticaris – Whip Eel
Callechelys guineensis – Shorttail Snake Eel
Callechelys muraena – Blotched Snake Eel
Echiophis intertinctus – Spotted Spoon-nose Eel
Gordiichthys ergodes – Irksome Eel
Gordiichthys irretitus – Horsehair Eel
Gordiichthys leibyi – String Eel
Letharchus aliculatus – Striped Sailfin Eel
Letharchus velifer – Sailfin Eel
Myrichthys breviceps – Sharptail Eel
Myrichthys ocellatus – Goldspotted Eel
Myrophis platyrhynchus – Broadnose Worm Eel
Myrophis punctatus – Speckled Worm Eel
Ophichthus cruentifer – Margined Snake Eel
Ophichthus gomesii – Shrimp Eel
Ophichthus melanoporus – Blackpored Eel
Ophichthus menezesi – Blotchside Snake Eel
Ophichthus ophis – Spotted Snake Eel
Ophichthus puncticeps – Palespotted Eel
Pseudomyrophis fugesae – Diminutive Worm Eel
Pseudomyrophis nimius – Elongate Worm Eel
Quassiremus sp. (cf. ascensionis) –
Ophidiidae
Cusk-eels – Elongate and scaled. Anal fin originating posteriorly to dorsal fin origin. Dorsal and anal fins continuous with caudal fin with rays of similar height. Chin barbel and opercular spine present or absent. Pelvic fins usually present and located on throat (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Benthocometes robustus – (No Common Name) Cusk-eel
Brotula barbata – Atlantic Bearded Brotula
Dicrolene introniger – Digitate Cusk-eel
Lepophidium brevibarbe – Blackedge Cusk-eel
Lepophidium jeannae – Mottled Cusk-eel
Lepophidium profundorum – Fawn Cusk-eel
Lepophidium staurophor – Barred Cusk-eel
Monomitopus agassizii – (No Common Name) Cusk-eel
Monomitopus magnus – (No Common Name) Cusk-eel
Neobythites marginatus – Stripefin Brotula
Ophidion antipholus – Longnose Cusk-eel
Ophidion grayi – Blotched Cusk-eel
Ophidion holbrooki – Bank Cusk-eel
Ophidion josephi – Crested Cusk-eel
Ophidion marginatum – Striped Cusk-eel
Ophidion nocomis – Letter Opener
Ophidion selenops – Mooneye Cusk-eel
Otophidium omostigma – Polka-dot Cusk-eel
Ostraciidae
Boxfishes – Triangular and square to pentangular in cross-section. Mouth small with fleshy lips and moderately strong teeth. Gill openings slit-like. Spiny dorsal fin and pelvic skeleton absent. Body encased in close-set hexagonal to polygonal plates; plates are visible or concealed by skin; plates may form “horns” over eyes in some (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Acanthostracion polygonius – Honeycomb Cowfish
Acanthostracion quadricornis – Scrawled Cowfish
Lactophrys trigonus – Trunkfish
Lactophrys triqueter – Smooth Trunkfish
Paralepididae
Barracudinas – Small to medium-sized, very elongate and slender; cross-section of body oval or compressed. Eye medium to large, nontubular, located on side of head. Snout very long and pointed with terminal mouth, but lower jaw projects as fleshy process; mouth extends to front of eye or under middle of eye. Teeth small; alternately fixed and depressible fang-like teeth on lower jaw and roof of mouth; single small supramaxilla on dorsal edge of maxilla. Gill rakers reduced to small multiple spines set on bony plates (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002).
Arctozenus risso – White Barracudina
Lestidiops affinis – (No Common Name) Barracudina
Lestidium atlanticum Atlantic Barracudina
Lestrolepis intermedia – (No Common Name) Barracudina
Magnisudis atlantica – Duckbill Barracudina
Paralepis coregonoides – Sharpchin Barracudina
Paralepis elongata – (No Common Name) Barracudina
Paralichthyidae
Sand Flounders – Deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Mouth large and protrusible. Eyes large to relatively small and usually left-facing. Anterior dorsal-fin rays may be long and mostly free of membrane; pelvic fins symmetrical in shape and short-based (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Ancylopsetta dilecta – Three-eye Flounder
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata – Ocellated Flounder
Citharichthys arctifrons – Gulf Stream Flounder
Citharichthys cornutus – Horned Whiff
Citharichthys gymnorhinus – Anglefin Whiff
Citharichthys macrops – Spotted Whiff
Citharichthys spilopterus – Bay Whiff
Cyclopsetta fimbriata – Spotfin Flounder
Etropus crossotus – Fringed Flounder
Etropus cyclosquamus – Shelf Flounder
Etropus microstomus – Smallmouth Flounder
Etropus rimosus – Gray Flounder
Gastropsetta frontalis – Shrimp Flounder
Paralichthys albigutta – Gulf Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus – Summer Flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma – Southern Flounder
Paralichthys oblongus – Fourspot Flounder
Paralichthys squamilentus – Broad Flounder
Syacium micrurum – Channel Flounder
Syacium papillosum – Dusky Flounder
Peristediidae
Armored Searobins – Moderately elongate. The head is large and armored with plates, ridges, and spines. Rows of spiny scutes cover the body. Flattened projections extend from snout and sides of head. Lip and chin barbels are usually present. First two pectoral-fin rays are free and fleshy (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Peristedion miniatum – Armored Searobin
Peristedion thompsoni – Rimspine Searobin
Peristedion greyae – Alligator Searobin
Peristedion gracile – Slender Searobin
Peristedion truncatum – Black Armored Searobin
Peristedion ecuadorense – Pyramidnose Armored Searobin
Petromyzontidae
Lampreys – Long, scaleless, and eel-shaped. Single nostril above the disk-shaped, jawless mouth. Mouth consisting of a series of horny teeth arranged in a circular pattern. A series of gill pouches connect separately to a row of external openings. Dorsal fins paired on posterior half of body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Petromyzon marinus – Sea Lamprey
Phycidae
Phycid Hakes – Relatively elongate, soft-bodied, and rounded in cross-section anteriorly. Mouth large. Snout rounded to moderately long. Chin barbel present. Two dorsal fins usually present; rarely, first dorsal fin with a single ray followed by a series of short rays and a long-based third fin. Anal fin long-based; pelvic fins typically long and slender; caudal fin well developed (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Enchelyopus cimbrius – Fourbeard Rockling
Urophycis chuss – Red Hake
Urophycis earllii – Carolina Hake
Urophycis floridana – Southern Hake
Urophycis regia – Spotted Hake
Urophycis tenuis – White Hake
Pleuronectidae
Righteye Flounders – Deep bodied and laterally compressed. Mouth small. Eyes almost always face right. Pelvic fins symmetrical in shape and short-based. Lateral line well developed on both sides of body (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Glyptocephalus cynoglossus – Witch Flounder
Pseudopleuronectes americanus – Winter Flounder
Poeciliidae
Livebearers – Small with elongate to moderately-deep bodies. Head flattened. Single dorsal fin located posteriorly and may be fan-like. Caudal peduncle elongate; caudal fin broad. Males with a modified anal fin used for internal fertilization of females. Pregnant females often with dark spot (gravid spot) anterior and dorsal to anus (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Gambusia holbrooki – Eastern Mosquitofish
Poecilia latipinna – Sailfin Molly
Polymixiidae
Beardfishes – Relatively deep-bodied and compressed. Snout short and rounded; eyes large. Lower jaw with a a pair of long barbels. Single dorsal fin long-based; caudal fin forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Polymixia lowei – Beardfish
Polymixia nobilis – Stout Beardfish
Polynemidae
Threadfins – Moderately elongate with widely separated dorsal fins; caudal fin deeply forked. Snout short, projecting beyond the large, inferior mouth. Pectoral fin low on the body with lower rays separate and filamentous (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Polydactylus octonemus – Atlantic Threadfin
Polydactylus virginicus – Barbu
Polyprionidae
Wreckfishes – Large, oblong, and moderately compressed. Head with a bony knob between the eyes and one at the nape. Opercle with two spines, with the lower spine at end of a long horizontal ridge (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Polyprion americanus – Wreckfish
Pomacanthidae
Angelfishes – Oval to round in profile, deep-bodied, and compressed. Mouth small and snout blunt. Preopercular margin often serrated and a prolonged spine always present at the lower angle. Dorsal fin continuous; second dorsal fin may have long, trailing, middle rays (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Centropyge argi – Cherubfish
Holacanthus bermudensis – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris – Queen Angelfish
Holacanthus tricolor – Rock Beauty
Pomacanthus arcuatus – Gray Angelfish
Pomacanthus paru – French Angelfish
Pomacentridae
Damselfishes – Small, oval to oblong, and laterally compressed. Mouth small and oblique. Lateral line incomplete or interrupted. Dorsal fin continuous, with the spiny portion having a longer base than the soft portion. Caudal fin shallowly to deeply forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Abudefduf saxatilis – Sergent Major
Abudefduf taurus – Night Sergeant
Chromis enchrysura – Yellowtail Reeffish
Chromis insolata – Sunshinefish
Chromis scotti – Purple Reeffish
Stegastes adustus – Dusky Damselfish
Stegastes leucostictus – Beaugregory
Stegastes partitus – Bicolor Damselfish
Stegastes planifrons -Threespot Damselfish
Stegastes variabilis – Cocoa Damselfish
Pomatomidae
Bluefish – Moderately elongated and compressed with separate dorsal fins and a forked caudal fin. Jaws with prominent sharp teeth; lower jaw protruding slightly. Opercles with a single broad, flat spine (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Pomatomus saltatrix – Bluefish
Priacanthidae
Bigeyes – Moderately deep-bodied and laterally comressed with oblique jaws and very large, reflective eyes. Preopercle with a single spine at the lower corner. Dorsal fin continuous; pelvic fins small to greatly expanded with inner rays attached to the abdomen by a membrane. Head, body, and irises shades of red (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Cookeolus japonicus – Bulleye
Heteropriacanthus cruentatus – Glasseye Snapper
Priacanthus arenatus – Bigeye
Pristigenys alta – Short Bigeye
Pristidae
Sawfishes – Long and flattened with rough skin. Eyes and spiracles on top of head. Pectoral, pelvic, and dorsal fins triangular in shape. Rostrum modified into a long, narrow, flattened “saw”. Saw armed on each side with many sharp teeth used to flush benthic prey or slash and disable schooling fishes (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Pristis pectinata – Smalltooth Sawfish
Pseudotriakidae
False Cat Sharks – Anal fin absent. Two dorsal fins; origin of first dorsal fin well ahead of pelvic-fin bases. First dorsal fin long, about the length of caudal fin, and formed as a low, rounded keel. Caudal fin asymmetrical, with ventral lobe relatively short or absent; caudal fin less than half the length of rest of shark; dorsal caudal-fin margin smooth. No keels on caudal peduncle, or weak ones. No precaudal pits. Eyes partly or entirely over mouth; nictitating eyelids present. Spiracles nearly or quite as long as eyes. Nasoral grooves absent. Mouth subterminal on head, behind snout tip. Five gill slits on each side, last 1 or 2 gill slits over pectoral-fin bases. Largest teeth in mouth are well lateral on dental band, not on either side of symphysis; no gap or intermediate teeth separating large anterior teeth from still larger lateral teeth in upper jaw. Adults with over 200 rows of teeth in each jaw. (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002).
Pseudotriakis microdon – False Cat Shark
Rachycentridae
Cobia – Elongate and round in cross-section with a broad mouth and a flattened head. 6-9 short spines preceding second dorsal fin. Pectoral fins long and pointed; caudal fin forked (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Rachycentron canadum – Cobia
Rajidae
Skates – Flattened with broadly expanded pectoral fins. Snout elongate or blunt. Pelvic fins typically bilobed and tail moderately slender. Eyes and spiracles on top of the head. Most with denticles and thorns dorsally (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Amblyraja radiata – Thorny Skate
Breviraja claramaculata – Lightspotted Shortskate
Dipturus teevani – Prickly Brown Ray
Leucoraja erinacea – Little Skate
Leucoraja garmani – Rosette Skate
Leucoraja ocellata – Winter Skate
Raja eglanteria – Clearnose Skate
Regalecidae
Oarfishes – Very long and laterally compressed. Head angular, eyes large, and mouth highly protrusible. Dorsal fin extending from top of head to tail with anterior rays long and trailing; caudal fin usually absent in large specimens; anal fin always present; pelvic fins long, trailing, and consisting of a single ray with paddle-like projections (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Regalecus glesne – Oarfish
Rhincodontidae
Whale Shark – Mouth wide, and when open, exposes five rows of very long gill plates. Eyes small and positioned just behind the mouth. Spiracles similar in size to the eyes and set just behind the eyes. Three dorsal ridges present, with lowest ridge becoming a strong keel at the caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin larger than second; caudal fin very tall (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Rhincodon typus – Whale Shark
Rhinobatidae
Guitarfishes – Moderately flattened with a wedge-shaped snout; teeth small and rounded. Pectoral fins moderately broad and rounded. Eyes and spiracles on top of the head. Dorsal fins located on top of an elongated caudal peduncle. Skin rough and covered with denticles (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Rhinobatos lentiginosus – Atlantic Guitarfish
Rhinopteridae
Cownose Rays – Snout bilobed, indented. Pecotral fins pointed , trailing edges concave. Dorsal fin located between pelvic fins (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Rhinoptera bonasus – Cownose Ray
Scaridae
Parrotfishes – Oblong and somewhat compressed. Upper jaw not protrusible. Snout usually bluntly rounded; front teeth usually partially fused. Pectoral-fin base oblique; dorsal fin continuous. Scales large (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Cryptotomus roseus – Bluelip Parrotfish
Nicholsina usta – Emerald Parrotfish
Scarus iseri – Striped Parrotfish
Sparisoma chrysopterum – Redtail Parrotfish
Sparisoma radians – Bucktooth Parrotfish
Sparisoma rubripinne – Yellowtail Parrotfish
Sciaenidae
Drums – Small to large in size with a gently to steeply sloping dorsal head profile. Body short and deep to moderately elongate. All have pores on the snout and chin, a bony flap above the gill opening, and lateral-line scales that extend onto the caudal fin. First dorsal fin short-based and usually continuous with a long-based second dorsal fin (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Bairdiella chrysoura – Silver Perch
Cynoscion nebulosus – Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nothus – Silver Seatrout
Cynoscion regalis – Weakfish
Equetus lanceolatus – Jackknife-fish
Larimus fasciatus – Banded Drum
Leiostomus xanthurus – Spot
Menticirrhus americanus – Southern Kingfish
Menticirrhus littoralis – Gulf Kingfish
Menticirrhus saxatilis – Northern Kingfish
Micropogonias undulatus – Atlantic Croaker
Pareques acuminatus – High-hat
Pareques iwamotoi – Blackbar Drum
Pareques umbrosus – Cubbyu
Pogonias cromis – Black Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus – Red Drum
Stellifer lanceolatus – Star Drum
Umbrina coroides – Sand Drum
Scomberesocidae
Sauries – Elongate and slender with long, pointed jaws. Dorsal and anal fins near the tail, followed by 5-6 finlets. Caudal fin deeply forked and symmetrical. Body covered in small scales (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Scomberesox saurus – Atlantic Saury
Scombridae
Mackerels and Tunas – Medium to large and elongate to very robust. Body somewhat compressed to rounded in cross-section. Dorsal fins short-based and well-separated, inserting into grooves. Series of finlets follow second dorsal and anal fins. Two oblique keels at caudal-fin present; may also have a lateral keel on the caudal peduncle (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Acanthocybium solandri – Wahoo
Auxis rochei – Bullet Mackerel
Auxis thazard – Frigate Mackerel
Euthynnus alletteratus – Black Skipjack
Katsuwonus pelamis – Skipjack Tuna
Sarda sarda – Atlantic Bonito
Scomber colias – Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Scomber scombrus – Atlantic Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla – King Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus – Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus regalis – Cero
Thunnus alalunga – Albacore
Thunnus albacares – Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus atlanticus – Blackfin Tuna
Thunnus obesus – Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus thynnus – Bluefin Tuna
Scophthalmidae
Turbots – Deep bodied, rhomboid in shape, and extremely compressed. Mouth large. Eyes comparatively large and left-facing. Anterior dorsal-fin rays long and mostly free of membrane; pelvic-fin base long, extending from opercular margin to very close to anal-fin origin. Most fin rays are branched (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Scophthalmus aquosus – Windowpane
Scorpaenidae
Scorpionfishes – Small to moderate in size with a relatively large head bearing spines and ridges. Pectoral fins rounded to fan-like; dorsal fin continuous and notched. Venom glands usually present at base of dorsal, pelvic, and anal fin spines (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Helicolenus dactylopterus – Blackbelly Rosefish
Idiastion kyphos – Sharpcheek Scorpionfish
Neomerinthe hemingwayi – Spinycheek Scorpionfish
Pontinus longispinis – Longspine Scorpionfish
Pontinus nematophthalmus – Spinythroat Scorpionfish
Pontinus rathbuni – Highfin Scorpionfish
Pterois miles – Devil Firefish
Pterois volitans – Red Lionfish
Scorpaena agassizii – Longfin Scorpionfish
Scorpaena albifimbria – Coral Scorpionfish
Scorpaena bergii – Goosehead Scorpionfish
Scorpaena brasiliensis – Barbfish
Scorpaena calcarata – Smoothhead Scorpionfish
Scorpaena dispar – Hunchback Scorpionfish
Scorpaena grandicornis – Plumed Scorpionfish
Scorpaena isthmensis – Smoothcheek Scorpionfish
Scorpaena plumieri – Spotted Scorpionfish
Scorpaenodes tredecimspinosus – Deepreef Scorpionfish
Scyliorhinidae
Catsharks – Small and cigar-shaped with a low, asymetrical caudal fin. Snout short and depressed. Mouth extends behind the posterior margin of the small, oval to slit-like eyes. First dorsal fin small, originating above or posterior to origin of pelvic fins (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Galeus arae – Marbled Catshark
Scyliorhinus retifer – Chain Dogfish
Serranidae – updated August 09, 2020
Sea Basses – Body usually robust and mouth is large. Opercle with three spines, middle spine usually most conspicuous. Dorsal fin usually continuous; anal fin with three spines. Lateral line extends only to end of caudal peduncle (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Alphestes afer - Mutton Hamlet
Anthias nicholsi - Yellowfin Bass
Anthias tenuis - (= Choranthias tenuis) - Threadnose Bass
Baldwinella aureorubens - Streamer Bass
Baldwinella vivanus - Red Barbier
Bathyanthias cubensis - Yellowtail Bass
Centropristis fuscula - Twospot Sea Bass
Centropristis ocyurus - Bank Sea Bass
Centropristis philadelphica - Rock Sea Bass
Centropristis striata - Black Sea Bass
Cephalopholis cruentata - Graysby
Cephalopholis fulva - Coney Hind
Dermatolepis inermis - Marbled Grouper
Diplectrum bivittatum - Dwarf Sand Perch
Diplectrum formosum - Sand Perch
Epinephelus adscensionis - Rock Hind
Epinephelus drummondhayi - Speckled Hind
Epinephelus guttatus - Red Hind
Epinephelus itajara - Goliath Grouper
Epinephelus morio - Red Grouper
Epinephelus striatus - Nassau Grouper
Gonioplectrus hispanus - Spanish Flag
Hemanthias leptus - Longtail Bass
Hyporthodus flavolimbatus - Yellowedge Grouper
Hyporthodus mystacinus - Misty Grouper
Hyporthodus nigritus - Warsaw Grouper
Hyporthodus niveatus - Snowy Grouper
Liopropoma aberrans - Eyestripe Bass
Liopropoma eukrines - Wrasse Basslet
Liopropoma mowbrayi - Cave Basslet
Mycteroperca bonaci - Black Grouper
Mycteroperca interstitialis - Yellowmouth Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis - Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca phenax - Scamp Grouper
Mycteroperca venenosa - Yellowfin Grouper
Paranthias furcifer - Atlantic Creolefish
Parasphyraenops incisus - Splitfin Bass
Plectranthias garrupellus - Apricot Bass
Pronotogrammus martinicensis - Roughtongue Bass
Rypticus maculatus - Whitespotted Soapfish
Rypticus saponaceus - Greater Soapfish
Schultzea beta - School Bass
Serraniculus pumilio - Pygmy Sea Bass
Serranus annularis - Orangeback Bass
Serranus atrobranchus - Blackear Bass
Serranus baldwini - Lantern Bass
Serranus chionaraia - Snow Bass
Serranus notospilus - Saddle Bass
Serranus phoebe - Tattler
Serranus subligarius - Belted Sandfish
Serranus tabacarius - Tobaccofish
Setarchidae
Bristly Scorpionfishes – Suborbital stay (or ridge), an extension of the third infraorbital bone (second suborbital) extending backward across cheek and usually firmly bound to preopercle. Numerous head spines. Preopercular margin with 3 or more spines, usually 4 or 5; other spines scattered on head. Dorsal fin with strong venomous spinous part bearing 8 to 18 spines. Anal-fin spines three (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002)).
Setarches guentheri – Deepwater Scorpionfish
Somniosidae
Sleeper Sharks – Spiracles large and set just behind the eyes. Gill slits low on the body. Dorsal fins usually lack small, grooved spines; when present, spines occur on both dorsal fins. Anal fin absent; caudal fin strongly asymmetrical and notched. Most possess luminous organs (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Centroscymnus coelolepis – Portuguese Shark
Somniosus microcephalus – Greenland Shark
Sparidae
Porgies – Small to medium in size and oblong to oval in profile. Body usually deep and moderately to deeply compressed. Dorsal head profile usually steep. Mouth small with a slightly protrusible upper jaw. Conical- or incisor-like front teeth; teeth in sides of jaws molar-like. Dorsal fin continuous and weakly to slightly notched (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Archosargus probatocephalus – Sheepshead
Archosargus rhomboidalis Sea Bream
Calamus bajonado – Jolthead Porgy
Calamus calamus – Saucereye Porgy
Calamus leucosteus – Whitebone Porgy
Calamus nodosus – Knobbed Porgy
Calamus proridens – Littlehead Porgy
Diplodus argenteus – Silver Porgy
Diplodus holbrookii – Spottail Pinfish
Lagodon rhomboides – Pinfish
Pagrus pagrus – Red Porgy
Stenotomus caprinus – Longspine Porgy
Stenotomus chrysops – Scup
Sphyraenidae
Barracudas – Elongate and small to moderately large. Head long; snout pointed with lower jaw protruding. Large jaws and roof of the mouth have numerous sharp conical or flattened teeth. Dorsal fins short-based and widely separated (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Sphyraena barracuda – Great Barracuda
Sphyraena borealis – Sennet
Sphyraena guachancho – Guaguanche
Sphyrnidae
Hammerhead Sharks – Moderately slender with a greatly flattened and laterally expanded head. Eyes and nostrils on the outer margins of the modified head. Spiracles absent. First dorsal fin tall.
Sphyrna gilberti – Carolina Hammerhead
Sphyrna lewini – Scalloped Hammerhead
Sphyrna mokarran – Great Hammerhead
Sphyrna tiburo – Bonnethead
Sphyrna zygaena – Smooth Hammerhead
Squalidae
Dogfish Sharks – Moderately slender with a conical or depressed head. Spiracles relatively large and close to the eyes. Gill slits are small and low on the body. Dorsal fins small with concave margins and with a small or prominent grooveless spine; anal fin absent; caudal fin low and asymmetrical (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Squalus acanthias – Spiny Dogfish
Cirrhigaleus asper – Roughskin Dogfish
Squalus cubensis – Cuban Dogfish
Squalus mitsukurii – Shortspine Dogfish
Squatinidae
Angel Sharks – Flattened heads, bodies, and fins. Eyes and spiracles on top of the head. Nostrils and mouth at front of a rounded snout. Pectoral fins separate and triangular. Dorsal fins near end of the tail (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Squatina dumeril – Atlantic Angel Shark
Stromateidae
Butterfishes – Deep-bodied and laterally compressed. Snout short, mouth small. Eyes covered by adipose eyelids. Dorsal and anal fins single, long-based, scaled, and similar in shape; anterior fin lobes may be elongate; pelvic fins absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Peprilus burti – Gulf Butterfish
Peprilus paru – Harvestfish
Peprilus triacanthus – Butterfish
Synaphobranchidae
Cutthroat Eels – Teeth usually small and conical, in one to several rows on jaws and vomer; some
species have enlarged, compound teeth on vomer, large fangs never present. Gill openings low on
body, belowpectoral fins (when present); sometimes the gill openings of the two sides united in a ventral
slit (FAO 2002 (Carpenter 2002).
Dysomma anguillare – Shortbell Eel
Synaphobranchus affinis – Grey Cutthroat Eel
Synaphobranchus kaupi – Northern Cuthroat Eel
Syngnathidae
Pipefishes and Seahorses – Elongate with a body covered in a series of bony rings. Mouth small; snout tube-like. Dorsal fin single; anal fin, when present, vey small; pelvic fins absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Anarchopterus criniger – Fringed Pipefish
Bryx dunckeri – Pugnose Pipefish
Cosmocampus albirostris – Whitenose Pipefish
Cosmocampus elucens – Shortfin Pipefish
Cosmocampus hildebrandi – Dwarf Pipefish
Cosmocampus cf. profundus – undescribed species near “Deepwater” Pipefish
Hippocampus erectus – Lined Seahorse
Hippocampus reidi – Longsnout Seahorse
Microphis lineatus – Opossum Pipefish
Syngnathus floridae – Dusky Pipefish
Syngnathus fuscus – Northern Pipefish
Syngnathus louisianae – Chain Pipefish
Syngnathus pelagicus – Sargassum Pipefish
Syngnathus springeri – Bull Pipefish
Synodontidae
Lizardfishes – Elongate and cylindrical in shape. Mouth wide and toothy. Single dorsal fin located over the midbody line. Adipose fin present (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Saurida brasiliensis – Largescale Lizardfish
Saurida normani – Shortjaw Lizardfish
Synodus foetens – Inshore Lizardfish
Synodus macrostigmus – Largespot Lizardfish
Synodus poeyi – Offshore Lizardfish
Synodus synodus – Red Lizardfish
Trachinocephalus myops – Snakefish
Tetragonuridae
Squaretails – Medium-sized, elongate, and rounded in cross-section. The snout is blunt. The lower jaw fits completely within the upper jaw when closed. First dorsal fin is long-based and inserts into a groove. Second dorsal and anal fins are similar in shape. Modified scales form two low keels on caudal-fin base. Body scales are keeled and geometrically arranged (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Tetragonurus atlanticus – Bigeye Squaretail
Tetraodontidae
Puffers – Slender to somewhat robust, becoming rounded when inflated. Mouth small with four fused teeth forming a “beak”. Gill openings slit-like. Spiny dorsal fin and pelvic skeleton absent. Body covered in tough, elastic skin. Most with small, spine-like prickles on abdomen, sides, and back (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Canthigaster jamestyleri – Goldface Toby
Canthigaster rostrata – Sharpnose Puffer
Lagocephalus laevigatus – Smooth Puffer
Lagocephalus lagocephalus – Oceanic Puffer
Sphoeroides dorsalis – Marbled Puffer
Sphoeroides maculatus – Northern Puffer
Sphoeroides nephelus – Southern Puffer
Sphoeroides pachygaster – Blunthead Puffer
Sphoeroides spengleri – Bandtail Puffer
Sphoeroides testudineus – Checkered Puffer
Torpedinidae
Torpedo Electric Rays – Flattened with head, body, and pectoral fins forming an almost circular disk. Eyes and spiracles on top of the head. Pelvic fins rounded; first dorsal fin larger than second; caudal fin triangular. Kidney-shaped electric organs visible from above (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Torpedo nobiliana – Atlantic Torpedo
Trachichthyidae
Roughies – Deep-bodied with large mucous cavities and sensory canals on head; cavities maybe visible through skin. Head large; snout short. Preopercle with a triangular spine at corner. Large, keeled scutes along abdomen (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Gephyroberyx darwinii – Big Roughy
Hoplostethus mediterraneus – Silvery Roughy
Hoplostethus occidentalis – Western Roughy
Trachipteridae
Ribbonfishes – Elongate and laterally compreessed. Body deep anteriorly, tapering to a very narrow caudal peduncle. Eyes large; mouth protrusible. Dorsal fin extending from top of head to tail; first several rays elonagte in some species. Caudal fin upturned and fan-like in some species; anal fin absent; pelvic fins well developed to rudimentary (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Desmodema polystictum – Polka-dot Ribbonfish
Zu cristatus – Scalloped Ribbonfish
Triacanthodidae
Spikefishes – Small, deep-bodied, and laterally compressed. Mouth small. Snout short to elongate and tubular in some. Eyes large. Gill openings short and slit-like. First dorsal fin with six strong spines; pelvic fins with one long spine and 1 or 2 short rays. Scales are prickly (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Parahollardia lineata – Jambeau
Triakidae
Hound Sharks – Slender with a low, asymmetrical caudal fin, a depressed snout, and slit-like eyes. Gill slits small and spiracles close to the eyes. Dorsal and ventral fins similarly shaped (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Mustelus canis – Smooth Dogfish
Trichiuridae
Cutlassfishes – Elongate and strongly compressed. Lower jaw protruding. Fang-like teeth usually present. Dorsal fin extremely long-based; pelvic fins very small or absent; caudal fin small or absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Evoxymetopon taeniatus – Channel Scabbardfish
Lepidopus altifrons – Crested Scabbardfish
Trichiurus lepturus – Atlantic Cutlassfish
Triglidae
Searobins – Moderately elongate with a large, bony head that is armored with plates, ridges, and spines. Venom glands and chin barbels are absent. Pectoral fins may be small or very broad. Fist three pectoral-fin rays are free and fleshy. (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Bellator brachychir – Shortfin Searobin
Bellator egretta – Streamer Searobin
Bellator militaris – Horned Searobin
Prionotus alatus – Spiny Searobin
Prionotus carolinus – Northern Searobin
Prionotus evolans – Striped Searobin
Prionotus ophryas – Bandtail Searobin
Prionotus roseus – Bluespotted Searobin
Prionotus rubio – Blackwing Searobin
Prionotus scitulus – Leopard Searobin
Prionotus stearnsi – Shortwing Searobin
Prionotus tribulus – Bighead Searobin
Uranoscopidae
Stargazers – Large head with a robust body, naked or covered in small, smooth scales. Mouth large and oblique to nearly vertical; lips fringed. Eyes either on or near top of the head. First dorsal fin present or absent; pectoral fins fan-like. A blunt or sharp venomous spine present over the pectoral fins (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Astroscopus guttatus – Northern Stargazer
Astroscopus y-graecum – Southern Stargazer
Kathetostoma albigutta – Lancer Stargazer
Urotrygonidae
American Round Stingrays – Flattened body; pectoral fins form an oval to almost round disk. Eyes and spiracles on top of head. Tail slender, almost as long as body with one ore more venomous spines. Dorsal fins absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Urobatis jamaicensis – Yellow Stingray
Xiphiidae
Swordfish – Large, robust anteriorly, and rounded in cross-section. The upper jaw forms a flattened, sword-like bill. First dorsal fin short-based and widely separated from second dorsal fin. Caudal peduncle deeply notched at the caudal-fin base with strong lateral keels. Pelvic fins absent (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Xiphias gladius – Swordfish
Zeidae
Dories – Deep-bodied, laterally compressed, and oval in shape. Mouth large and protrusible. Body scales minute or absent; may have large buckler scales along base of dorsal and anal fins; scutes may be present along abdomen. Pelvic fins may be greatly expanded (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Cyttopsis rosea – Red Dory
Zenopsis conchifera – Buckler Dory
Zoarcidae
Eelpouts – Elongate, rounded to oval in cross-section anteriorly and compressed posteriorly. Dorsal and anal fins are long-based and conflunet with caudal fin; pectoral fins are large to small; pelvic fins, when present, are very small and located anteriorly to pectoral fins (Kells and Carpenter 2011).
Lycenchelys verrillii – Wolf Eelpout
Melanostigma atlanticum – Atlantic Soft Pout
