sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cow shark, Cuban dogfish, Silky shark

ORDER

Represented by one family, HEXANCHIDAE,COW . One in Texas waters, COWSHARK, M!. Heptranchiasperlo IHnnnaterre!*.

ORDER ORECTOLOBIFORMES

Key to Families

I. a. Caudal fin asymmetrical but crescent-like, with a strong lower lobe but no subterminal notch; caudal peduncle depressed with a strong keel on each side that continues forward onto the back and over the gills as a small ridge; a very large reaching 12 meters in total length. RHINCODONTIDAE,WHALE SHARKS. One species, worldwide. WHALESHARK, M!. Rhincodon ~ti~us Smith

b. Deep external grooves present connecting nostrils and mouth; front margin of nostrils with well-developed barbel s. GINGYLMOSTOMATIDAE,NURSE SHARKS. One species in Texas waters, NURSESHARK, M! .

U

32 ORDER LAMNIFORMES

Key to Families l. a. Caudal fin lunate shaped like new moon!, with prominent keel on caudal peduncle. , SHARKS. One species in Texas waters. SHORTFINMAKO, M!, oxyrinchus Rafinesque

b. Caudal fin not lunate; no keel on caudal peduncle...... 2

Z. a. Caudal fin exceedingly long, its length about half of total body length. ALOPIIDAE, THRESHERSHARKS. Page 34.

b, Caudal fin length less than half of total body length; pre- caudal pits present; no nictitating eyelid. ODONTASPIDIDAE, SANDTIGERS. One species in Texas waters, SANDTIGER, M!. Od t ' taurus Rafinesque!.

33 FAMILY ALOPIIDAE: THRESHERSHARKS

Key to Species l. a. Eyes very large, with orbits vertically oval; first closer to pelvic fin than to pectoral fin; deep hori zontal groove on nape on each side, above gills. B IGEYETHRESHER, M!, Page 35. Alopias s '1' s Lowe!* b. Eyesnot large; first dorsal fin closer to pectoral fins than to pelvic fins; no grooveson nape. THRESHERSHARK, M!, Page 35. ~A1oSas ~vu1 ines eonnaterre!

ORDERCHARCHARHINIFORMES

Key to Famil ies l. a. Origin of first dorsal fin over or behind pelvic fin bases. SCYLIORHINIDAE,CAT SHARKS. Page 36.

b. Origin of first dorsal fin markedly anterior to pelvic fin bases...... ,....,...... ~ ~...... 2 2. a. Headwith lateral expansionsor blades. SPHYRNIDAE,HAMMERHEAD SHARKS. Page 36.

b. Headnormal, not expandedlaterally...... 3

34 Biaeye Thresher ~A1oias l Al~oias vulninus

J Black Cat Shark Cat Shark ' turus indicus area

Chain Doofish 'orhinus retifer ~Shyrna tiburo

Great Hammerhead ~Sh ma mokarran ~Sh ma lewini

Lemon Shark ~Ncaarien hrevirostris Prionace glauca

35 3. a. Precaudal pits present. CARCHARHINIDAE,RE jUIEMSHARKS. Page 37.

b. Precaudal pits absent. TRIAKIDAE, SMOOTHDOGFISH SHARKS. Page 42.

FAMILY SCYLIORHINIDAE: CAT SHARKS

Key to Species

l. a. Color uniformly black, without prominent markings. BLACKCAT SHARK, M!, Page 35. ui 92 f fl

b ~ Color variegated dorsally with spots, blotches, or saddles! and lighter below,...... 2

Crest of enlarged denticles present along upper edge of caudal fin. CAT SHARK, M!, Page 35. Galeus area Nichol s!*

b. Crest of enlarged denticles absent. CHAIN DOGFISH, M!, Page 35. ~S1$ ll

FAMILY SPHYRNIDAE: HAMMERHEAD SHARKS

Key to Species

l. a. Head spade-shaped, front contour of head evenly rounded at midline. BONNETHEAD, M,E!, Page 35. ~Sb ma t burn L nnaeus!

36 b. Head hammer-shaped, front contour of head indented or scalloped at the midline......

2. a. Inner narial grooves absent or barely developed; teeth strongly serrated; second dorsal fin very high; pelvic fins high and falcate. GREATHAMMERHEAD, M!, Page 35. ~Shyrna mokarran !toppe!! ]

b. Inner narial grooves strongly developed; teeth smooth in young, weakly serrated in large individuals; second dorsa1 fin low; pelvic fins low and not falcate. SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD, M!, Page 35. ~Shyrna lewini Griffith and Smith!

FAMILY CARCHARHINIDAE: REQUIEM SHARKS

Key to Species

I. a. Base of second dorsal fin at least 3/4 as long as base of first dorsal fin, the two fins nearly equal in size. LEMONSHARK, M!, Page 35. ~Neaprion brevirostris Poey!

b. Second dorsal fin base considerably smaller than first...... 2

2, a ~ First dorsal fin base considerably closer to pelvic fins than pectoral fins; inner gill openings with short gil I rakers; back dark blue, fading to purple-black after death. , M!, Page 35. Prionace ~!auca tinnaeus!

b. First dorsal fin equidistant between pectoral and pelvic fins or usually! closer to pectorals; no gill rakers...... 3

3 a ~ Spiracles present. TIGERSHARK, M!, Page 38. Galeocerdo cuvieri Peron and Lesueur!

b. Sporacles absent...... ee~ ~~ ~~ e~ ~~ ~e ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~e4

4. a. Cusps of upper and lower teeth smooth-edged A! Note: Be careful not to confuse serration at the base of the tooth with serration on the cusp!...... 5

37 Galeocerdo cuvieri h' ' d terraenovae

Finetooth Shark Smalltail Shark isodon Carcharhinus porosus

Silky Shark Carcharhinus falciformis Carcharhinus 1

Sandbar Shark Carcharhinus milberti Carcharhinus obscurus

38 Cuspsof upper teeth serrate B!, lower teeth either serrate Of Smootha~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~a ~~ ~~ ~ i ~ se~ aa~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~a ~~ ~~ ~aa ~ ~a ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~aaa6

5. a. Longest gill opening only about ]/4 as 1 ongas base of first dorsal fin; anal fin base expanded anteriorly by a very long pair of preanal ridges. ATLANTICSHARPNOSE SHARK, M!, Page 3Ba ~ '" """ """ u""'"""I

b. longest gill opening nearly ]/2 as long as base of first dorsal fin; preanal ridges absent or very short. FINETOOTH SHARK, M!, Page 38. Carcharhinus isodon Yal enciennes!

6 a. Origin of second dorsal fin markedly posterior to origin of base of anal fin. SMALLTAIL SHARK, M!, Page 38. Carcharhinus ~or osus nanzani!

b. Origin of second dorsal fin over or in front of origin of anal fln ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

7. a. Midline of back between dorsal fins with a low, but distinct, ridge of skin...... 8

b. Midline of back between dorsal fins smooth, without ridge of skin ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ a]]

8. a. Free rear corner of second dorsal fin notably slender and more than twice as long as vertical height of fin. SILKY SHARK, M!, Page 38. Carcharhinus falci formi s Bibron!

b. Free rear corner of second dorsal fin not notably slender and considerably less than twice as long as vertica1 height of fin...... ,...... 9

9. a. Uppermost tip of first dorsal fin very broadly rounded; tip of anal fin reaches nearly to base of caudal fin. OCEANICWHITETIP SHARK, M!, Page 3B. '"" "'

39 b. Uppermost tip of first dorsal fin nearly pointed or very narrowly rounded; tip of anal fin separated from base of cauda1 fin by a distance at least as long as d iameter of eye...... 10

10. a. Origin of first dorsal fin over terminus of base of pectoral fins; vertical height of first dorsal fin at least as great as distance from eye to third gi11 opening. SANDBARSHARK, M!, Page 38. Carcharhinus mi 1 berti Va1enc i ennes!

b. Origin of first dorsal fin markedly posterior to terminus of base of pectoral fins; vertical height of first dorsal fin less than distance from eye to first gill opening. DUSKYSHARK, M!, Page 38. Carcharhinus obscurus Lesueur!

11. a. Uppermost tip of first dorsal fin very broadly rounded; tip of anal fin reaches nearly to base of caudal fin. OCEANICWHITETIP SHARK, M!, Page 38.

b. Uppermost tip of fi rst dorsal fin nearly pointed or very narrowly rounded; tip of anal fin separated from base of caudal fin by a distance at least as long as d iameter of eye...... ,...... 12

12. a. Snout short and broadly rounded, its length in front of an imaginary Iine connecting outer ends of nostrils less than half as long as distance between inner ends of nostrils. BULL SHARK, M,E!, Page 41. Carcharhinus 'Ieucas Yalenciennes!

Snout sharper, when measured as above, at least 2/3 of the distance between the inner ends of nostrils...... 13

13. a. Fins without black tips; upper teeth strongly asymmetrical, with notched outer margins. BLACKNOSESHARK, M!, Page 41. Carcharhinus acronotus Poey!

b. Fins with conspicuous black tips; upper teeth nearly sywoetrical, without notched outer margins...... 14

14. a. Small notch present on posterior edge of lower jaw; prenarial length less than or equal to distance from front of nostrils to front of mouth; in specimens longer than 80 cm total tength, anal fin tip not black. BLACKTIP SHARK, M,E!, Page 41. Carcharhinus limbatus Valenciennes! Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas Carcharhinus acronotus

Blacktip Shark Spinner Shark Carcharhinus limbatus C h hi

Florida Smoothhound Smooth Dogfish Mustelus norrisi Mustelus canis

Cuban Dogfish Broadband Dogfish ~Sualus cubensis

41 b. No notch on posterior edge of lower jaw; prenar ial length greater than distance from front of nostrils to front of mouth; in specimens longer than 80 cm total length, tip of anal fin black. SPINNERSHARK, M!, Page41. C li

FAMILY TRIAKIDAE: SMOOTHDOGFISH SHARKS

Key to Species

1. a. Lower front corner of caudal fin sharply pointed and directed posteriorly. FLORIDASMOOTHHOUND, M!, Page 41. Mustel us nor ri s i Spri nger

b. Lower front corner of caudal fin rounded. SMOOTHDOGFISH, M!, Page 41. Mustelus canis Mitchell!

ORDERSQUALIFORMES

Represented by one family, ,DOGFISH SHARKS

Key to Species

1. a. Upper teeth with only one cusp; caudal peduncle with longitudinal ridges and precaudal pit above. CUBANDOGFISH, M!, Page 41. ~Sualus cubensls Howell

b. Upper teeth with 3-7 cusps; caudal peduncle without ridges or a precaudal pit. BROADBANDDOGFISH, M!, Page 41.

42 ORDER SQUATINIFORMES

Represented by one family, SOUATINIDAE.ANGEL SHARKS. One species in Texas waters, ATLANTIC , M!. ~5uatina dumerili Lesueur

ORDER PRI ST IFORMES

Represented by one family, PRISTIDAE, SAWFISHES

Key to Species

l. a. Caudal fin with definite lower lobe; origin of first dorsal fin well anterior to origin of pelvic fins. LARGETOOTHSAWFISH, M,E!, Page 44. Pri stis perotteti Muller and Henle

b. Caudal fin lacking definite lower lobe; origin of first dorsal fin over or slightly anterior to origin of pelvic fins. SMALLTOOTHSAWFISH, M,E!, Page 44. Pristis pectinata Latnam

ORDER TORPEDINIFORMES

Represented by one family NARCINIDAE,ELECTRIC RAYS, One species in Texas water s. LESSERELECTRIC RAY, M!. Narcine brasiliensis Olfers!

43 Largetooth Sawfish Sma11tooth Sawfish Pristis Perotteti Pristis Pectinata

Speckled Skate Roundel Skate ~G ~Ra'a texana

Spreadfin Skate Clearnose Skate t

Freckled Skate Atl anti c Stingray ~Ra'a ~armani ~nasatis sabina ORDER RAJIFORMES

Key to Families

I. a. Tail very stout, not distinctly differentiated from body; dorsal fins inserted well anterior to caudal fin and widely spaced. RHINOBATIDAE,GUITARFISH. One species in Texas watet s. ATLANTIC GUITARFISH, M!. Rhinobatos l t Garman!

b. Tail slender, sharply differentiated from body; dorsal fins inserted just anterior to tip of tail and closely spaced. RAJIDAE, SKATES, Page 48.

ORDER MYLIOBATIFORMES

Key to Families

1. a. Eyes and spiracles on top of head; fusion of pectoral fins disc wings! to body continuous along sides of head and extending to tip of snout...... 2

b. Eyes and spiracles on sides of head; fusion of pectoral fin disc wings! to body extending only to a point just posterior to eyes ~ ~ ~ ~ 4 ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~

45 2. a. Caudal fin present and we11 developed. UROLOPHIDAE, YELLOWSTINGRAYS. One species in Texas waters. YELLOW ST! NGRAY, M,E! . fC

b. Caudal fin absent 3

3. a. Tail without serrate spine or spines; disc much wider than long. GYNNURIDAE,BUTTERFI Y RAYS. One species in Texas waters. SMOOTHBUTTERFLY RAY, M!. ~Gmnura micrura Bloch and Schneider!

b. Tail with serrate spine or spines inserted dorsoanteriorly; disc width less than l.5 times length. DASYATIDIDAE,STINGRAYS. Page 49.

46 4. a. Mouth extending across anterior margin of head; a thin, narrow, fin-like structure cephalic fin! projecting anteriorly from each side of head . MOBULIDAE, MANTAS. One species in Texas waters, ATLANTICMANTA, M!. Manta birostris Walbaum!

b. Mouth inferior; a short, snout-like projection subrostral lobe of pectoral fins! consisting of 1-2 lobes extending anteriorly from underside of head...... 5

5. a. Snout-like projection only I lobe; dorsal surface of disc with white spots. MYLIOBATIDIDAE,EAGLE RAYS. One species in Texas waters, SPOTTEDEAGLE RAY, M!. Aetobatus narinari Euphrasen!

47 b. Snout-like projection with 2 lobes; dorsal surface of disc lacking white spots. RHINOPTERIDAE,COWNOSE RAYS. One species in Texas waters, COWNOSERAY, M!. Rhino tera bonasus Mitch111!

FAMILY RAJIDAE: SKATES l. a. Distance from origin of second dorsal fin to level of axils of pelvic fins greater than distance from level of axils of pelv1c f1ns to tip of snout by an amount at least as great as distance between nostrils; midbelt Wo~tai with 3-4 rows of conspicuous thorns. SPECKLEO SKATE, M!, Page 44. 6 r esiella sinusmexicanus Bigelow and Schroeder!

b ~ Not fitting the above description...... ~ . ~ ~4 ~~ ~~ ~~ 02

2 aa Single, conspicuous, dark-centered ocellar eye-like! spot on medial upper surface of each disc wing. ROUNDEL SKATE, M!, Page 44. Raja texana Chandler

b. Ocellar spot inconspicuous or absent; upper surface of disc wings plain or with many irregular dark dots and narrow bars...,...... 3

3. a. Thorns absent on m1ddorsal surface between nuchal region area 1mmediately behind spiracles! and axils of disc wings. SPREADFIN SKATE, M!, Page 44. Raja olseni Bigelow and Schroeder

b. Thorns present in middorsal region described above...... 4

4. a. Translucent area present along sides of snout rostral cartilage!; upper surface of d1sc wings usual ly marked with distinctive dark bars. CLEARNOSESKATE, M!, Page 44. Raja e lanteria Bose

48 Translucent area lacking on sides of snout; upper surface of disc wings with many small brown and white spots. FRECKLEDSKATE, M!, Page 44. Raja ~armani Whit! ey

FAMILY DASYATIDIDAE: ST! NGRAYS

Key to Species l. a. Outer corners of disc wings broadly and evenly rounded...... 2

Outer corners of disc wings only narrowly rounded or abruptly subangular......

2. a ~ Distance from eye to tip of snout considerably longer than distance between spir acies; front outline of disc wings concave at tip of snout. ATLANTICSTINGRAY, M,E!, Page 44. Dasyatis sabina Lesueur!

b. Distance from eye to tip of snout shorter than distance between spiracles; front outline of disc wings weakly convex at of tip of snout. BLUNTNOSE STINGRAY, M,E!, Page 50. Dasyatis sayi Lesueur!

3e a ~ Fin-like fold of skin along underside of tail about as wide as height of tai1; upper surface of tail with a single ridge or kee1 behind the spine; sides of tail without spines. SOUTHERNSTINGRAY, M,E!, Page 50. ~Dasat is americanaHildebrand and Schroeder Fin-like fold of skin along underside of tail only about ha] f as wide as height of tail; upper surface of tail without ridge or keel; in larger specimenssides of tail with spines. ROUGHTAILSTINGRAY, M,E!, Page 50. ~Dasatis centroura Mitch !I!

ORDER LE P ISOSTE IF ORMES

Represented by one family LEPISOSTEIDAE,GARS

Key to Species

l. a. Largeteeth in upper jaws in 2 rows in adults. ALLIGATOR GAR, F,E!, Page 50. atracosteus ~satul a Lacepede! b. Large teeth in upper jaw in a single row in adultsm ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ean~ ~~ ~e ~~ ~ ~ +~ m~ ~2

49 8luntnose Stinqray Southern Stingray ~Dasatis ~sa i ~Oasatis americana

Roughtail Stingray Alligator Gar ~Dasatis centrnura Atracusteus ~s atuia

Spotted Gar Longnose Gar t oculatus t osseus

Shortnose Gar

50 2. a. Snout long, about 1.4 times in head; young speckled ventrally with broad band on sides, which breaks up into longitudinal blotches as fish matures. LONGNOSE GAR, F,E!, Page 50. Lepisosteus osseus Linnaeus!

b. Snout short, about 1.6 times in head...... 3

3. a. Top of head and snout with large brownish-black spots or b'Iotches; 1ateral line scales 54-57; predorsal scales 46-49; scale rows from anal plate to middorsal scale 17-20. SPOTTEDGAR, F,E!, Page 50. Lepisosteus oculatus Winchell!.

b. Top of head and snout not darkly blotched or spotted; lateral line scales 59-63; predorsal scales 50-54; scale rows from anal plate to middorsal scale 20-23. SHORTNOSEGAR, F,E!, Page 50.

ORDER AMI IFORMES Representedby one family, AMIIDAE,BOWFIN. One species in Texas waters. BOWFIN, F, E!. Amia calva Linnaeus

ORDER ELOPIFORMES

Key to Families

1. a. Origin of dorsal fin directly over or behind pelvic fin base; mouth terminal or superior angled upward!; branchiostegal rays 23-25. ELOPIDAE,TARPONS. Page 52.

51 b. Originof dorsalfin markedlyanterior to pelvicfin base; mouthinferior; branchiostegalrays about 14. ALBULIDAE,BONEFISH. Onespecies in Texaswaters, BONEFISH, M,E!. Albula ~vules Linnaeus!

FAMILYELOPIDAE: TARPONAND LADYFISH

Key to Speci es 1. a. Lastray of dorsalfin elongateand filamentous; scales large; mouthsuperior. TARPON, M,E!, Page53. ~alealo s atlanticus Salenciennes b. Last ray of dorsal fin not' elongate;scales small; mouth terminal. LADYFISH,{M,E!, Page53. ~tlo s saurus Linnaeus

ORDERANGUILLIFORMES

Key to Families 1. a. Posteriornostril locatedon upperlip with a wide flaring margin. OPHICHTHIDAE,SNAKEEELS. Page 59.

b. Posteriornostril locatedabove upper lip, on a horizontalthrough lower margin of eyeor higher, with or without a s1ightly raised rim..... ~ ~ ~ ~ 2 2 a. Gi1l openingsubequal to or smal1er than eye...... 3 b. Gill openinglarger thaneye; pectoral fins present...... 5 Tarpon Ladyfish ~iaeoalos atl anti cue ~Eio s saurus

Chestnut Moray Viper Moray h 1 ~car chroa ~ni ricans

Spotted Moray Ocel lated Moray th morinqa ~Gh

Blackedqe Moray Pike-Conger ~Holunnis spp. 3. a. Pectoralfins absent. MURAENIDAE, MORAYS.Page 56.

b. Pectoralf ins present...... ~...... 4 4. a. Dorsalorigin near anus, usually markedly posterior to midpointof body.MORIHGUIDAE, SPAGHETTI . Page 57.

juveni1 e!

b. Dorsalorigin abovea verticalfrom pectoral fin. XENOCONGRIDAE,FALSEMORAYS. One species in Texaswaters. COLLAREDEEL, M!. Kau ichthys nuchalis Bohlke

54 5. a. Scales present; lower jaw projecting slightly beyond upper jaw. ANGUILLIDAE,FRESHWATER EELS. Onespecies in Texas waters. AMERICANEEL, M,E,F!. ~Anu111a rustrata Lesueur!

b. Scales absent; upper jaw slightly or notably projecting beyond lower jaw.... ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~0 ~~ ua ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~u u a 6

6. a. Anus well anterior, on a vertical through tips of pectoral fins. SYNAPHOBRANCHIDAE,CUTTHROAT EELS. One species in Texas waters. SHORTSELLYEEL, M!. 8 d

b. Anus posterior to tips of pector al fins...... 7

7. a. Palatal teeth {teeth on the midline of roof of mouth! small, not canine-like; lower jaw about as wide as upper jaw. CONGRIDAE,CONGER EELS. Page 57.

55 b. Palatal teeth large and canine-like, in a median row but widely spaced lower jaw narrower than upper jaw. NETTASTOMATIDAE, DUCKBILI EELS. Page 57.

FAMILY MURAENIDAE: MORAYS

Key to Species l. a. Dorsal fin origin above or just anterior to gill opening; many teeth exposedwhen mouth is closed..... ~ ~...,...,... Dorsal fin origin markedly anterior to gill opening teeth not exposedwhen mouth is closed...... ,. ..,...,, 3

2. a. Headpores set in white dots. CHESTNUTMORAY, M!. Page53.

b. Headpores not set in white dots. VIPERMORAY, M!, page53. Enchelycore~ni ricans Sonnaterre!

3. a. Teeth along jaws not serrate notched like a saw!, palate with 2 or 3 median anterior fangs on midline; color pattern usually light reticulations against dark background; large specimensmay be entirely dark. SPOTTEDMORAY, M!, Page 53 ~ fc

b. Teeth along jaws serrate; palate without medianfangs; color pattern of white spots against very dark background...,.... ~4

4. a. Anal fin usually with a series of short curved bars resemblingsegments of arcs; dorsal fin typically with series of oblique paired bands. OCELLATEDMORAY, M!, Page 53.

Anal fin nearly always solid black or brown; dorsal fin typically with broad, interrupted dark margin. BLACKEDGEMORAY, M!. Page 53.

56 FAMILYNETTASTOMATIDAE: DUCKBILL EELS

Key to Species l. a. Lateral vomerineteeth presentnext to medianvomerine teeth A!; maxillaryand dentary teeth in 3 non-parallel rows,the outermostrow shorter than the 2 innerrows B!; visceralperitoneum black. SPOTTEDPIKE-CONGER, M!,Page 53. ~Hoiunnis tennis Ginsburg b. Lateral vomerineteeth absent;maxillary anddentary teeth in 2 distinctly para11el rows C!; visceral peritoneumtransparent. FRECKLED PIKE-CONGER, M!, Page 53. ~Ho1unnis macrurus Ginsburg

C! Maxillary teeth in two rows A! 1ateral vomerine teeth B! Maxi1lary teeth in three rows

FAMILYMOR INGUIDAE: SPAGHETTIEELS

Key to Species 1, a, Lowerjaw projecting. SPAGHETTIEEL, M!, Page58. ~Marinua edwardsi Jordan and 8011man] b, Upperjaw projecting. RIDGEDEEL, M!, Page58. ~Neoconer mucronatus Girard

FAMILYCONGRIDAE: CONGER EELS

Key to Species l. a. Dorsaland anal fin rays unsegmented...... ,2 b. Dorsaland anal fin rays segmented...... ,. ....,...... 3

2. a Upperedge of gill openingopposite midpoint of pectoral fin base. BANDTOOTHCONGER, M!, Page58. Ariosoma baleari curn Del aroche! b. Upperedge of gill openingopposite upper edgeof pectoral fin base. MARGINTAILCONGER, M!, page 58.

57 eni l e

Spaghetti Ridged Eel Morin~ua edwardsi Neoconqer mucronatus

Bandtooth Conger Margintail Conger Ariosoma balearicum caudi1 imbatus

Threadtai] Conger Conger Eel Conger oceanicus

Yellow Conqer Speckled Worm Eel Hildebrandia flavia ~Nro~hi s gunctatus

58 3. a ~ Labial flange present in upper jaw...... ~ ...... 4

b. Labial flange absent in upper jaw. THREADTAILCONGER, M!, Page 58. M

4. a. Labial flange wide in upper jaw. CONGEREEL, M!, Page 58. ~Coner oceanicus M1tche11!

b. Labial flange narrow in upper jaw. YELLOWCONGER, M!, Page 58. Hildebrandia f lava Goode and Bean!

FAMILY OPHICHTHIDAE: SNAKE EELS

Key to Speci es

l. a. Caudal fin present; tip of tail flexible...... 2

b. Caudal fin absent; tip of tail stiff...... 3 2. a. Dorsal fin originating at least a head length before anus. SPECKLEDWORM EEL, M,E!, Page 58. ~Myrohis punctatus Lutken Dorsal fin originating above or only slightly behind or before anus. KEY WORMEEL, M!, Page 60. Ah!ia ~emontis Jordan!

3. a. Origin of dorsal fin anterior to gill openings; pectoral fins rudimentary. SOOTYEEL, M!, Page 60. Bascanichthys bascanium Jordan!

b. Origin of dorsal fin above or behind gill openings; pectoral f' ins well developed...... 4

4. a. Eyes superior on top of head! and located anterior to m>dpoint of upper jaw...... ,,...... b. Eyes not superior and located over midpoint of upper jaw...... 7

5. a. Largest spots on body slightly smalIer than length of snout from tip of snout to anterior margin of eye!; in specimens89-119 cm total length, largest spots smaller than eye; spots roughly in 6 lengthwise rows. STIPPLED SPOON-NOSEEEL, M!, Page 60. ~Echiohis !sunctifer Kaup!

59 Key Worm Eel Sooty Eel Ahlia ~emontis hth bascanium

~ 4'' + sm ,al g

Spoon-Nose Eel Spotted Spoon-Nose Eel ~Echio his punctifer ~Echio his intertinctus

Snapper Eel Shrimp Ee1 ~Echio his mordax Oohichthus Eomesi

Palespotted Eel hth ocellatus

Giant Snake Eel 0 h' hth rex

60 b. Largest spots on body about equal to or larger than length of snout; spots roughly in 3 lengthwise rows...... 6

6 ~ a. Largest spots on body about equal to distance from snout tip to posterior margin of eye. SPOTTEDSPOON-NOSE EEL, M!, Page 60. Echiophis intertinctus Richardson!

b. Largest spots on body about equal to snout length. SNAPPEREEL, M!, Page 60. ~Echiohis mordax Poey!

7. a. Body with spots, bars or other conspicuous markings...... 8

b. Body without any distinctive pattern. SHRIMPEEL, M!, Page 60. 0 h hth ~omesi Castelnao!

8. a. Single midlateral series of' pale round spots. PALESPOTTEDEEL, M!, Page 60. 0 hichthus ocellatus Leseur!

Fresh specimens show 14 or 15 dark bands on body behind head; 3 preopercular pores; can reach lengths as great as 1. 5 m. GIANTSNAKE EEL, M!, Page 60. Ophichthus rex Bohlke and Caruso

ORDER CLUPE IFORMES

Key to Families

1. a. Mouth large; maxilla extending well beyond posterior margin of eye. ENGRAULIDIOAE,ANCHOVIES. Page 66.

61 b. Mouthsmall; maxilla not extendingbeyond posterior margin of eye; ventra'l midIine of bel'Iy usually with a sawtooth margin of scutes. CLUPEIDAE,HERRINGS. Page 62.

FAMILY CLUPEI DAE: HERRINGS

Key to Species l. a. Noabdominal scutes except for a thin W-shapedpelvic scute~ e~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ e~ e~ ~~ ~~ e~ ~ ee~ e~ ~e ~e ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ e~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ e~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~e ~ ~2

b. Series of abdominaI scutes present, often keeled' ...... ~ .3 2. a. Pelvic fins inserted behind a vertical line from last dorsal ray; branchiostegal rays 15-20. ROUNDHERRING, M!, Page 63. Etrumeus teres DeKay!

b. Pelvic fins inserted below a vertical line from middorsal region; branchiostegal rays 5-6. DWARF HERRING, M!, Page 63. Jenkinsia 1 ta ' Gosse!

3. a. Upperjaw without median notch...... ~...... ~...4 b. Upperjaw with deep median notch...... 8 4. a. Last dorsal fin ray filamentous. ATLANTICTHREAD HERRING, M,E!, Page 63.

b. Last dorsal fin not filamentous...... ~ ~ e e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 5 5. a. Pelvic fins with 8 rays...... 6 b. Pelvic fins with 9 rays...... 7 6. a. Gill rakers on lower limb of anterior gill arch 30-32. FALSEPILCHARD, M,E!, Page 64. ~karen ula ~clu cela Cuuier!

62 ..i

Round Herring Dwarf Herring Etrumeus teres Jenkinsia 1 t

Atlantic Thread Herring False Pilchard 0 ' th ma ~pl!num ~Haremula ~clu cola

Scaled Oranqespot Sardine ~Havenula ~auana Sardinia brasi liensis

Spanish Sardine Threadfin Shad Sardinella aurita 0orosoma~etenense

63 b. Gill rakers on lower limb of anterior gill arch 32-39. SCALEDSARDINE, M,E!, Page63. ~Harenula ~ja uana noey

7. a. Gill rakerson lower limbs of anterior gill archesappear strongly curled whenviewed dorsally. ORANGESPOTSARDINE., M!, Page 63. Sardinia brasi liensis Steindachner! b. Gill rakerson lower limbsof anterior gill archesappear relatively flat. SPANISHSARDINE, M!, Page63. Sardi ne11 a auri ta Yal enc i ennes 8. a. Lowerjaw flared outwardat corners; last dorsal ray f' ilamentous ...... 9 b. Lowerjaw normal, mouthterminal; last dorsal ray not f' ilamentous.. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~e~ ~~ ~ ~ a~ ~~ ~e ~~ ~~ ~ ~~10 9. a. Morethan 50 scales in a lateral series; prepelvic scutes 14-17. THREADFINSHAD, E,F!, Page63. Dorosomajaetenense Gunther]

b. Lessthan 50 sca1esin lateral series; prepelvic scutes usually 18. GIZZARDSHAD, E,F!, Page65. Dorosomace dia Lesueur!

10. a. Pe1vicfin rays 9; predorsal scales not enlarged. SKIPJACK HERRING, E,F!, Page 65. Alosa ch so hl is Rafinesque!

b. Pelvic fin rays 7; predorsal scales on either side of midline enlarged...... 11 ll. a. Operculumwith definite radiating striae; scales 1argeand relatively evenly placed, 35-56along midlateral line; shoulder spot usually followed by one or morespots. GULF MENHADEN, M,E!, Page 65. Grevoortia ~atronus Goode Operculumnot striated; sca1essmall and unevenlyplaced, 60-75 along mid1atera1 line; shoulder spot not followed by additional spots. FINESCALEMENHADEN, M,E!, Page65. Brevoorti a ~unteri kildebrand

64 Gizzard Shad Skipjack Herring ~d

GLjlf Menhaden Finescale Menhaden Srevoor tia i atronus iirevoortia gunteri

Silver Anchovy Bay Anchovy ~Enraul is ~curstoic Anchoa mitchi lli

Striped Anchovy I ongnose Anchovy Anchoa ~heactus Anchoa nasuta

65 FAMILY ENGRAULIDIDAE: ANCHOVIES

Key to Species 1. a. Posteriortip of maxilla blunt andhardly projecting beyond secondsupramaxilla. SILVERANCHOVY, M,E!, Page65. ~Enraulis eurystole Swain and %ek! b. Posterior tip of maxil1 apointed, projecting beyondsecond supramaxilla...... 2 2. a. Origin of anal fin underorigin of dorsal fin; anal fin rays 23-31; pectoral fin rays 11-12; head length 3.8 to 4.3 times in total length. BAYANCHOVY, M,E!, Page65. Anchoamitchi11i Valenciennes!

b. Origin of anal fin underposterior portion of dorsal fin; anal fin rays 18-23;pectoral fin rays 12-15;head 1ength 3.3-4.0 times in total length...... ,...,....,... ~ r ~ ~ ~3 3 ~ a ~ Axillary scale of pectoral fin long andnarrow, generally failing to reach tip of longest pectoral fin ray by less than diameter of pupil of eye; silvery band on sides narrower than eye. STRIPEDANCHOVY, M,E!, Page65. Anchoa~he actus Linnaean!

b. Axillary scale I/2 to 2/3 as long as longest pectoral fin ray; silvery bandon sides as broad as eye. LONGNOSE ANCHOVY, M!, Page 65. Anchoa nasuta HiIdebrand and Carvalho

ORDER SALMONIFORMES

Repre sented by one f ami1 y, ARGENT IN I DAE,ARGE NT I NES

Key to Species 1. a. Tonguewith large teeth anteriorly and 'laterally. STRIATED ARGENTINE, M!, Page 67. ~Ar anting striata Goode and Bean

b. Tonguewith small teeth on anterior marginonly. PYGMY ARGENTINE,tM!, Page 67. Glossanodon~py maeus Cohen

66 x '!

Striated Argentine Pygmy Argentine ~Ar ending striate Glossanodon ~~maeus

Longnose Lancetfish Shortnose Lancetfish Al ' ferox 1 brevirostris

Largescale Lizardfish Snakefish Saurida brasiliensis +ms~os

Inshore Lizardfi sh Red Lizardfish ~Snodus foetens S d ~snodus

67 ORDER MYCTOPHIFORMES

Represented by one family, MYCTOPHIDAE,

Note: In Texas waters, at least 50 species in this family occur at night at depths shallower than 200 meters. Becausethese fishes are rarely collected with conventional fishing gear, no key is provided, and readers are asked to refer to Nafpaktitis et al. 1977! for identification of specimens.ORDERAULOP IFORMES

Key to Families l. a. Pectoral fins inserted near ventral outline; length of base of dorsal fin more than 2/3 of standard length; dorsal fin high, appeari ng sai 1-like; body without scales. ALEPISAURIDAE,LANCETF ISHES. Page 69.

b. Pectoral fins inserted laterally; length of base of dorsal fin much less than 2/3 of standard length, fin not sail-like; body with scales...... ~2

68 2. a. Maxilla very narrow along entire length; origin of pelvic fins anterior to origin of dorsal fin. SYNODONTIDAE, LI ZARDFISHES. Page 69.

b. Maxilla broad posteriorly; origin of pelvic fins under or behind origin of dorsal fin. CHLOROPHTHALMIDAE,GREENEYES. Page70.FAMILYALEPISAURIDAE:LANCETFISHES

Key to Species

I. a. Dorsal fin high anteriorly with several free rays; snout long, I/3 to I/2 of head length. LONGNOSELANCETFISH, M!, Page 67. Al ' s ferox lowe b. Dorsal fin low anteriorly, forming a curve that is highest near the midpoint, lacking free rays; snout short, less than I/3 of head length. SHORTNOSELANCETFISH, M!, Page67. Al epi saurus brevi rostri s Gibbs

FAMILY SYNODONTIDAE: LIZARDFISHES

Key to Species I. a. Inner pelvic fin rays approximately the samelength as outer rays. LARGESCALELIZARDFISH, M!, Page67. Sauri da brasi 1 iensi s Norman

69 b. Inner pelvic fin rays about twice as long as outer rays...... 2

2. a. Origin of anal fin about midway between base of caudal fin and pectoral fin origin; anal fin rays 14-15. SNAKEFISH, M!, Page 67. ~nm'

b. Origin of anal fin much nearer to base of caudal fin than to pectoral fin origin; anal fin rays 10-12...... 3

3. a. Sca1es sma11, 58-68 in latera't line..... ~ ~~ ~4

b. Scales large, 43-50 in lateral line...... ~...... 5

4. a. Anal rays usually 10-13; anterior rays of depresseddorsal fin extending beyond tips of posterior rays. INSHORE LI ZARDFISH, M!, Page 67. ~Snodus reuters Linnaeus!

b. Anal rays usua11y8-10; anterior rays of depresseddorsal fin not extending beyondposterior rays. REDL!ZARDFISH, M!, Page 67. ~Snodus synodus Linnaeus!

5. a. Scale between upper anterior part of eye and nostril heavily ridged, its posterior margin serrate; 1ower jaw without fleshy knob at tip, SANDDIVER, M!, Page 71. ~Snodus intermedius Agassi z!

b. Scale described above without heavy ridges, its posterior margin smooth; lower jaw with fleshy knob at tip. OFFSHORE LIZARDFISH, M!, Page 71. Synoduspoeyi Jordan

FAMILY CHLOROPHTHALMIDAE: GREENE YES

Key to Species

1. a. Eyesvery 1 arge,diameter about half the 1engthof head; lateral line sca1es 60-63. SHORTNOSEGREENEYE, M!, Page 71. Ch! hth i us ~aassizi Bonaparte

b. Eyesmoderate, diameter about 1/3 the length of head; lateral line scales 45-52. LONGNOSEGREENEYE, M!, Page 71 ~ Parasudis truculenta Goode and Hean!

70 .

Sand Diver Offshore Lizardfish ~Snodus intermedius ~Snodus poeLi

Shortnose Greeneye Longnose Greeneye hth 1 ~aass1zi Parasudis truculenta

Gafftopsail Catfish Hardhead Catfish ~aare marinus Arius felis

Atl anti c Ni dshi pman Leopard Toadfish h g1

71 ORDER CYPRINIFORMES

Represented by one family, , SEACATFISHES

Key to Species 1. a. Barbels on head4; first soft ray in dorsal and pectoral fins greatly elongated. GAFFTOPSAILCATFISH, M,E!, Page71. ~Bare marinus aitchi!

b. Barbel s on head 6; rays in dorsal and pectoral fins not greatly elongated. HARDHEADCATFISH, M,E!, Page 71. Arius felis Linnaeus!

ORDERBATRACHOI D IFORMES

Represented by one family, BATRACHOIOIDAE,TOADFISHES

Key to Species

1. a. Dorsal spines 2; body with rows of well-developed photophores light-producing organs! . ATLANTIC MIDSHIPMAN, M,E!, Page 71. Porichthys plectrodon Jordan and Gilbert

Dorsal spines 3; body lacking photophores...... 2

2. a. Backgroundcolor light, overlain with brown spots covering head, body and fins; pectoral fins with brown spots on light background. LEOPARDTOADF ISH, M!, Page 71. ~0sanus ~arden Goodeand Bean! Backgroundcolor dark, overlain with lighter crossbars or mottled pattern; pectoral fins with light crossbars, each composedof a row of well-defined light spots. GULF TQADFISH, M,E!, Page 73. ~0sanus beta Gouda and Bean!

ORDER GOBIESOC IFORMES

Represented by one family, GOBIESXCIDA,CLINGFISHES

Key to Species l. a. Central margin of upper lip with protrusions or lobe- like papillae; pectoral fin rays 22-26, usually 24. SKILLETFISH, M,E!, Page 73. Gobiesox strumosus Cope

72 Gulf Toadfish Ski 1 1etf i sh ~0sanus beta Gobiesox strumosus

Stippled Clingfish Sargassumfish Gobiesox gunctatus Histrio histrio

Singlespot Frogfish Splitlure Frogfish Antennarius radiosus Antennarius scaber

Tricorn Batfish Batfi sh Zalieutes ~mcqint i ~h

73 b. Central margin of upper lip smooth, without protrusions or lobe-like papillae; pectoral fin rays 19-22, usually 21. STIPPLED CLINGFISH, M!, Page 73. G ORDERLOPHIIFORMES Key to Families

1. a. Mouth small, inferior; gilI openings in or behind upper axil of pectoral fin. OGCOCEPHALIDAE,BATFISHES. Page 75.

b. Mouth large, terminal; gill openings in or behind lower axil of pectoral fin.

2. a. Head broad, depressed; pseudobranchia present ~ LOPHIIDAE, GOOSEFISHES. One species in Texas waters, RETICULATE GOOSEFISH, M!. ~l.o hiodes retlcul atua Caruso aod Suttkus

74 b. Headcompressed; pseudobranchi a absent. ANTENNARIIDAE, FROGFISHES,Page 75.

FAMILY ANTENNARIIDAE: FROGFISHES

Key to Species l. a. Middorsal line of snout with 2 fleshy cirri anterior to base of illicium angling apparatus!. SARGASSNFISH, M!, Page 73. Histrio histrio Linnaeus!

b. Snout without fleshy cirri anterior to base of 1111clum~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ t~ ~t ~a ~t ~~ ~~ ~t ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~t ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ o ~~ ~~ ~~ o2

2e a ~ Dorsumwith prominent ocelfated spot; dorsal fin rays 13; anal fin rays 8; pectoral fin rays 13-14. SINGLESPOTFROGFISH, M!, Page 73. Antennarius radiosus Garman

Dorsumwithout prominent ocellated spot; dorsal fin rays 11-12; anal rays 6-7; pectoral fin rays 10-11. SPLITLUREFROGF ISH, M!, Page 73. Antennarius scaber Cuvfer!

FAMIL Y OGCOCEPHALI DAE: BATFISHES

Key to Species l. a. Frontal region of disc anterior part of body! elevated; rostrum relatively produced, long and prominent in some species; eyes lateral; dorsal fin typically with 4-5 rays... ~ ~. ~ ...... e ~~ ~~ ~~ 2

b. Frontal region of disc not elevated; rostral process absent; snout rounded; eyes partly superior; dorsal fin typically with 6 rays...... 6

75 2 a. Bait of angling apparatus esca! not distinctly trilobed in frontal view A!; ventral surface of tail with 2-4 rows of large scales; pupi 1 1ary opercul a absent; dorsal fin rays typically 5. TRICORNBATFISH, M!, Page73. 2ei ieetes esdtiiddddttyyi eri Fowl !

A! Esca not distinctly B! Esca distinctly trilobed in frontal trilobed in frontal view view Escadistinctly trilobed in frontal view B!; scales on ventral surface of tail numerousand very sma11; pupillary opercula present or absent; dorsal fin rays ypically 4. ~ w~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~e ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ 3 3. a. Pectoral fin rays 10-11 occasionally 12!...... 4 b. Pectoral fin rays 12-15 occasionally 11!. BATFISH, M!, Page 73. ~d

4. a. Rostrumvery long, length 0.9-1.6 times in headdepth. BATFISH, M! .

b. Rostrummoderate to short, length 1.7-4.0 times in head d epthe~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e~ ~ ~e ~ w~ ~e ~ w~ ~~ ~e ~e ~~ ~~ w~ ~ ~5

5. a. Rostrumshort, usually tilted upward,never sloping downward;distal ends of pectoral rays with thickened fleshy pads on ventral surfaces. ROUGHBACKBATFISH, M!, Page 77. Id I

b. Rostrumhorizontal or sloping downwardrelative to long axis of body; distal endsof pectoral rays without fleshy pads. BATFISH, M!, Page 77. 0 cephalus declivirostris Bradbury Roughback Hatfish Batfish N 1 garvus decl i virostri s

Pancake Batfi sh Offshore Batfish t' hth aculeatus Dibranchus atlanticus

Codlet Bl ackfin Grenadier spp ~ Coelorinchus caribbaeus

' zu u

Marl i nspi ke Southern Hake Nezumla ae

77 6. a. Esca conical in frontal view A!; pupillary opercula present; ventr al surface of disc smooth; "wrist" of pectoral fin attached to body by skin; pectoral fin rays 16; back dotted, with white and brown streaks. PANCAKEBATF ISH, M!, Page 77. Halieutichthys aculeatus Mitchil 1!

A! Esca conical B! Esca trilobed in frontal view in frontal view b. Esca trilobed in frontal view B!; pupillary opercula absent; ventral surface of disc rough; "wrist" of pectoral fin largely free from body; pectoral fin rays 13; back gray, without streaks. OFFSHOREBATFISH, M!, Page 77. Dibranchus atlanticus Peters*

ORDER GADIFORMES l. a. Dorsal surface of head with long filament. BREGMACEROTIDAE, CODLETS. Page 80.

b. Dorsal surface of head without filament...... 2

78 P. a. Caudal fin absent; body tapering to long, compressed tail ending in a point. MACROURIDAE,GRENADIERS. Page 80.

b. Caudal fin present and separate from both the dorsal and anal fins; body moderately tapering...... ,...... 3 3. a. Chin barbel present; no V-shapedridge on top of head...... 4 b. Chin barbel absent; V-shapedridge present on top of head. MERLUCCIIDAE,MERLUCC IID HAKES. One species in Texas waters OFFSHORESILVER HAKE, M!. Merluccius albidus Mitchell!

4. a. Caudal peduncle relatively broad; anterior portion of vomer with 1argetooth patch. GADIDAE,CODFISHES. GADIDAE. Page 80.

b. Caudal peduncle narrow; vomerine tooth patch small and circular. MORIDAE,MORAS. One species in Texas waters. MORA, M!. Physiculus fulvus Bean

79 FAMILY BREGMACEROTIDAE:CODLETS

Key to Species l. a. Anal fin rays 49-58; dorsal fin rays 47-56. ANTENNA CODLET, M!, Page 77.

b. Anal fin rays 58-69; dorsal fin rays 57-65. CODLET, M!, Page 77. Br ce s macclel lendi Thompson

FAMILY MACROURIDAE: GRENADIERS

Key to Species

1. a. Anusimmediately anter ior to anal fin, not separated by a broad margin of naked black skin. BLACKFIN GRENADIER, M!, Page 77. Coelorinchus caribbaeus Goodeand Bean!

b. Anal and urogenital openingsusually surroundedby narrow black marginof nakedskin, the entire region alwayswell anterior to origin of anal fin. MARLINSPIKE, M!, Page77. Nezumia~ae uali s Gunther!

FAMILY GADIDAE: CODFISHES 1. a. Lateral line dark, interrupted by white spots resembling series of dark dashesdown sides; filamentous part of pelvic fins reaching to, or only slightly beyondorigin of anal fin. SOUTHERNHAKE, M!, Page77. ~uro h cis floridana Sean and Dresel ! b. Lateral line without dark coloring and white spots; filamentous part of pelvic fins reaching far beyond origin of anal fin to about midpoint of anal fin base. GULFHAKE, M!, Page 81. ~uro h cis cirrata Goode and Sean!

80 Gulf Hake Blackedqe Cusk-Eel ~llro h cis cirr ate ~Lh d

Mottl ed Cusk-Eel Crested Cusk-Eel h'd' jeannae ~0hi dion welshi

Striped Cusk-Eel Bank Cusk-Eel ~0hidion marninatom ~0hidion ho1brooki

Bearded Brotula Deepwater Brotul a Brotula barbata n b th't gi111

81