Elongate, robust body fish with a shallow forked tail and split dorsal fin. Dark brownish-gray above and silvery belly with series of thin horizontal stripes that start behind its heads.
Average Maximum Size:
153 cm ( 5 ft)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Stripes are absent on young fish of less than 6 inches.
Range:
St. Lawrence to Gull of Mexico
Habitat:
Coastal species with anadromous life history (adults in ocean, returning to fresh water rivers to spawn). Juveniles may use river deltas and estuaries as nursery habitat. Some fish will spend entire life in estuaries.
