Compressed, deep, and robust oval-shaped body that tapers to a forked tail.Body lightly colored background with vertical black bars. Small forward-oriented mouth with the front teeth resembling human incisors. Dorsal and anal finsh with strong, sharp spines. Long pectoral fins
Average Maximum Size:
91 cm (36 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Sheepshead can be distinguished from Black Drum by the lack of barbels on Sheepshead's chin, its deeper body shape, and its terminal mouth with incisor-like teeth. The Sheepshead can additionally be distinguished from the Atlantic Spadefish by its shorter and spinier dorsal fin and much more elongated pectoral fins.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Nova Scotia to Brazil
Habitat:
Coastal waters near structures such as oyster reefs, pilings, artificial reefs; will move offshore to deeper waters during cooler winter months
