Body elongate with a truncate tail. Forward-facing mouth with a slight underbite and two fangs in front part of upper jaw. Black dots/spots along upper back, dorsal fins, and tail. First dorsal fin spinous and triangular in shape. Second dorsal fin more rectangular and longer than first.
Average Maximum Size:
61 cm (24 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Spotted Seatrout can be distinguished from the related Weakfish and Silver Seatrout by the presence of pronounced spotted body pattern.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Spotted Seatrout will have the distinct spots and coloring of adult specimens which distinguishes them from juvenile Silver Seatrout and Weakfish.
Range:
New York to Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Found in shallow coastal waters with sandy bottoms. Prefers seagrass beds and oyster reefs in salt marshes and tidal pools.
