Identification Guide To South Carolina Fishes Inshore Fishes Red Drum (Spottail, redfish, channel bass, puppy drum,) Sciaenops ocellatus May have multiple spots along dorsal surface..
RKW
Black Drum Pogonias cromis
Broad black vertical bars along body.
Barbells on chin. Spotted Seatrout (Winter trout, speckled trout) Cynoscion nebulosus Numerous distinct black spots on dorsal surface. Most commonly encountered in rivers and estuaries.
RKW
Most commonly encountered just offshore around live bottom and artificial reefs.
Weakfish (Summer trout, Gray trout) Cynoscion regalis RKW
Silver coloration with no spots.
Large eye
Silver Seatrout Cynoscion nothus RKW Spot Leiostomus xanthurus
Distinct spot on shoulder.
RKW
Atlantic Croaker (Hardhead) Micropogonias undulatus RKW
Silver Perch (Virginia Perch) Bairdiella chrysoura RKW Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus
Broad black vertical bars along body.
RKW
Pinfish (Sailors Choice) Lagodon rhomboides
Distinct spot.
RKW Southern Kingfish (Whiting) Menticirrhus americanus
RKW
Extended 1st dorsal filament
Northern Kingfish SEAMAP- Menticirrhus saxatilis SA:RPW
Dusky 1st dorsal-fin tip Black caudal fin tip
Gulf Kingfish SEAMAP- Menticirrhus littoralis SA:RPW Southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma
No ocellated spots .
RKW
Summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus
Five ocellated spots in this distinct pattern.
B. Floyd Gulf flounder Paralichthys albigutta
B. Floyd
Three ocellated spots in a triangle pattern.
B. Floyd Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix
RKW
Inshore Lizardfish Synodus foetens RKW
RKW Ladyfish Elops saurus Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus
RKW
Lookdown Selene vomer
RKW Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber Juvenile
RKW
Juvenile spadefish are commonly found in SC estuaries. Adults, which look very similar to the specimen shown above, are common inhabitants of offshore reefs. Cobia Rachycentron canadum Adult
D. Hammond
Juvenile RKW
D. Hammond
Adult cobia are considered a coastal migratory species and are commonly encountered in near shore and offshore waters. Juveniles may occasionally be caught inshore. Other Inshore Fishes Striped Burrfish Chilomycterus schoepfi
E. Vernon
Northern Puffer Sphoeroides maculatus
E. Vernon Bighead Searobin Prionotus tribulus
RKW
Batfish (sp. Unknown) Ogcocephalus sp.
RKW “Baitfish” or fish commonly caught in cast nets or traps. White Mullet Mugil curems
RKW
Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus
CM
Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus
RKW Striped killifish Fundulus majalis
RKW
Mummichog (Mudminnow) Fundulus heteroclitus
RKW
Fat Sleeper Dormitator maculatus
RKW Bay Anchovy Anchoa mitchilli
Dorsal fin originates over origin of anal fin.
RKW
Atlantic Bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus
Black spot on caudal peduncle.
RKW Leatherjacket Oligoplites saurus
Dorsal spines can cause serious skin irritation if stuck into skin. Offshore Fishes Grouper Black Grouper (Carberita) Mycteroperca bonaci Dull red dorsal coloration.
Distinct orange spots. RKW
Gag Grouper (Grey, Black Grouper) Mycteroperca microlepis
Mottled brown body.
Large Specimens (40+inches) typically USCG have black bellies.
Yellowfin Grouper (Fireback) Mycteroperca venenosa
Distinct Coloration. RKW Yellowedge Grouper Epinephelus flavolimbatus
Tip of dorsal and pectoral fins bright yellow.
Species is typically caught in deepwater (300+ ft). RKW
Scamp (Broomtail) Long filaments on Mycteroperca phenaxTip of dorsal and pectoral fins tail and anal fin. bright yellow.
Even Yellow
Jagged
Deeper Body USCG Tail and anal fin lack Yellowmouth Grouper long filaments. Mycteroperca interstitialis Snowy Grouper Epinephelus niveatus
Small specimens have a 11 Dorsal Spines. black “saddle” on caudal peduncle.
Angle of jaw is comparatively Usually, small species have white spots. less sloped. USCG
Misty Grouper Epinephelus mystacinus
Black “saddle” on caudal peduncle.
Verticle black bands. D. Player Warsaw Grouper Epinephelus nigritus
Broad Maxilla. 10 Dorsal Spines.
RKW
With mouth closed jaw is at a steep angle and extends to posterior part of eye but not beyond.RKW
Goliath Grouper (Jewfish) Juvenile Epinephelus itajara
RKW
Updated 8/16/05 Membrane between Red Grouper dorsal spines even with the tips of the Epinephelus morio spines. Dull red body coloration occasionally with white blotches
RKW
Nassau Grouper Epinephelus striatus
Dark stripe through eye. Black saddle on caudal peduncle.
RKW Speckled Hind (Kitty Mitchell, Strawberry) Epinephelus drummondhayi
Most common color pattern is a dark purple with white specks.
RKW RKW Coney (Red Phase) Epinephelus fulvus
RKW
Coney
Distinct spots on caudal peduncle. RKW Red Hind Epinephelus guttatus
Black tipped fins.
Does not have 2 black spots on caudal peduncle like the Coney RKW Graysby Epinephelus cruentatus Rounded Tail.
RKW Rock Hind (Strawberry Grouper) Epinephelus adscensionis 16”
RKW Snapper Red Snapper (AM Red, Genuine) Lutjanus campechanus
10 Dorsal spines Red Iris Juveniles (8 - 10 in.) may have a diffuse black spot.
Angulate Anal Fin. RKW
Lane Snapper (Candy Snapper) Lutjanis synagris
Diffuse black spot, more prominent in smaller specimens.
Horizontal Yellow stripes. Rounded Anal Fin. RKW Vermilion Snapper (B-liner) Rhomboplites aurorubens
11-12 Dorsal Spines
RKW
Queen Snapper Etelis oculatus
USCG
RKW Yellowtail Snapper Ocyurus chrysurus
Deeper forked tail.
Broad yellow stripe. Deeply forked yellow tail. RKW Snapper Comparison
Red Snapper
Silk Snapper ( Yelloweye) Lutjanus vivanus
Yellow Iris.
Blackfin Snapper (Hambone) Lutjanus buccanella
Rounded Anal Fin.
USCG Mutton Snapper Lutjanus analis
Diffuse Black Spot.
Fork tail
Blue line under eye. Angulate Anal Fin. RKW Anchor- shaped Gray Snapper (Mangrove Snapper) tooth patch on roof Lutjanus griseus of mouth.
Short Pectoral Fin. Slightly angulate anal fin. RKW Cubera Snapper Lutjanus cyanopterus Chevron - shaped tooth patch on roof of mouth.
Large Canine Teeth. Long Pectoral Fin. Rounded Anal Fin. RKW Dog Snapper Lutjanus jocu Anchor- shaped tooth patch on roof of mouth.
White triangular splotch under eye. USCG RKW Porgy Red Porgy (Silver Snapper, Pinky, Pink Snapper) Pagrus pagrus
2nd nostril oval. Light red body color.
RKW
Whitebone Porgy (Chocolate Porgy) Calamus leucosteus
Small black spots on 2nd nostril slit - like. membrane between spines.
Lacks red body coloration.
RKW Knobbed Porgy (Jolthead) Calamus nodosus
2nd nostril slit - like. Very steep head profile.
Yellow Spots.
RKW
Littlehead Porgy Calamus proridens
Hump on head.
Blue lines.
RKW Jolthead Porgy Calamus bajonado
Note: Specimen shown is 22.5”. RKW
Jolthead Porgy (Anterior)
Distinct blue line under eye.
RKW
Orange on inside corner of mouth. Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus
Incisor - like teeth. Vertical black bars.
RKW
Spottail Pinfish (Ringtail) Diplodus holbrooki
Large spot on caudal peduncle.
RKW Scup Stenotomus chrysops
Indentation above eye. Blue line under dorsal fin.
RKW 10” RKW
RKW Seabass Black Sea Bass (Blackfish) Centropristis striata
RKW
Rock Sea Bass Centropristis philadephica Black saddle Filaments on below dorsal dorsal spines. spines.
RKW
Bank Sea Bass Centropristis ocyurus No filaments on dorsal spines. Dark bars with blotches below.
RKW Grunts White Grunt Haemulon plumieri
Blue stripes.
RKW All species of Western Atlantic grunts have red on inside of the mouth.
Tomtate Haemulon aurolineatum Red on inside of mouth.
Spot on base of tail.
Red mouth. Yellow stripe from eye to tail.
RKW Bluestriped Grunt Haemulon sciurus
RKW
When compared to the white grunt, the bluestriped grunt has a more golden appearance.
RKW Cottonwick Haemulon melanurum
Black band unique to this species.
Red on inside of mouth. Yellow stripes. RKW
Margate Haemulon album
Red on inside of mouth. RKW RedThe on insideMargate of is the largest of the Western Atlantic grunts. mouth. Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera
Small orange spots.
Inside corner of mouth is red.
RKW Jacks Banded Rudderfish
Lesser Amberjack
Greater Amberjack RKW
Greater Amberjack Banded Rudderfish (Amberine) Seriola dumerili Seriola zonata
More Streamlined.
Flat Boot
Deeper Body. Smaller Eye. RKW Juvenile Greater Amberjack
Steep Head Profile.
“Boot” on maxilla.
RKW
Lesser Amberjack Juvenile Greater Amberjack Seriola fasciata
Steeper Head Larger Eye. Profile.
Boot Flat
RKW NOTE: Lesser Amberjack are typically caught in deeper water than the other jacks. Fishing vessels having snowy grouper or tilefish will often have lesser amberjacks not banded rudderfish. Lesser Amberjack Seriola fasciata
Large Eye
Jaw does not extend to midpoint of the eye, and no “boot”.
Banded Rudderfish (Amberine) Seriola zonata
Jaw extends almost to Larger the posterior part of the Eye eye.
Eye is much smaller than lesser amberjack. Jaw extends past midpoint of eye. RKW The “Boot” The posterior part of the maxilla is much more broad on a greater amberjack.
Banded Rudderfish Greater Amberjack
There is a very slight Notice the steep incline of incline of the maxilla. the maxilla (the boot). The maxilla is comparatively broader.
Almaco Jack Greater Amberjack Black Jack Caranx lugubris
Steep head profile.
D. Player Yellow Jack Caranx bartholomaei
Long pectoral fin. Scutes on caudal peduncle.
Yellow underside. D. Player Almaco Jack Seriola rivoliana Body comparatively deeper than rudder, lesser, and High dorsal fin. greater.
“Boot” RKW African Pompano Alectis ciliaris
Filaments on dorsal and anal fin.
RKW
Crevalle Jack Caranx hippos
Scutes on caudal peduncle. Scutes on caudal peduncle.
Distinct black spot on opercle. Rainbow Runner Elagatis bipinnulata
Blue & Yellow stripes.
Finlets on caudal peduncle. RKW
Blue Runner Caranx crysos
Long Pectoral Fin.
Scutes on caudal peduncle.
RKW Cottonmouth Jack Uraspis secunda
D. Player Triggerfish Filefish Gray Triggerfish (Leatherjacket) Balistes capriscus
Stout 1st dorsal spine.
USCG
Ocean Triggerfish Canthidermis sufflamen
D. Player Queen Triggerfish Balistes vetula
RKW D. Player
Unicorn Filefish Aluterus monoceros
RKW Wrasses Hogfish (Hog Snapper) Lachnolaimus maximus
Filaments Protruding snout with large canine teeth. Black Spot
Female
Male
RKW
Spotfin Hogfish Bodianus pulchellus
Black spot on pectoral fin.
RKW Yellowcheek Wrasse Halichoeres cyanocephalus
RKW
Slippery Dick Halichoeres bivittatus
RKW Tautog Tautoga onitis
RKW Mackerel Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus
Gradual dip in lateral line.
Steep dip in lateral line. DBS King Mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla
Atlantic Bonito Sarda sarda
Stripes on dorsal surface.
RKW Tuna Little Tunny (Bonita, False Albacore) Euthynnus alletteratus
Chain Pattern
Spots RKW Skipjack Tuna Katsuwonus pelamis
Stripes RKW
Albacore Thunnus alalunga
Long Pectoral fin.
USCG Blackfin Tuna Thunnus atlanticus
Pec. Fin does not extend past dorsal and anal fins.
No yellow. Pec. Fin extends Yellow finlets. past dorsal and anal fins.
RKW Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares
Juvenile Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus
Brackett Other Offshore Fishes Pinfish (Sailors Choice) Lagodon rhomboides
Distinct spot.
RKW
RKW
Sand Perch Vertical black bar. Diplectrum formosum
Alternate blue Spot on caudal RKW and yellow lines. peduncle. RKW Tilefish (Golden Tile) Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps Adipose flap
Yellow spots.
Distinct blue line under eye. Lacks adipose flap. RKW
Blueline Tilefish (Grey Tile) Caulolatilus microps
Goldface Tilefish Caulolatilus chrysops
Body more elongate.
Yellow Iris
RKW
D. Player Sand Tilefish (Slippery Dick) Malacanthus plumieri
G. Steele
Bearded Brotula Brotula barbata
RKW Southern Hake Urophycis floridana
Spots behind eye distinguish this from similar species. RKW Scorpionfish (Sp. unknown) Scorpaena sp.?
RKW
Blackbelly Rosefish Helicolenus dactylopterus
DP Bermuda Chub Kyphosus sectatrix
RKW
Blue Tang Acanthurus coeruleus
Retractable spine
RKW Longtail Bass Hemanthias leptus
RKW Creole Fish Long filaments. Yellowish tinge on dorsal fin. Paranthias furcifer RKW Smaller Eye
Silky Appearance. RKW Spanish Flag Gonioplectrus hispanus
DP Soldierfish (Sp. Unknown)
Squirrelfish Holocentrus adscensionis
Short Bigeye (Toro) Large Eye. Priacanthus alta
Black tipped pelvic and anal fins. Cubbyu Equetus umbrosus
RKW
Red Lionfish Pterois volitans
Spines are extremely poisonous.
RKW Mutton Hamlet Epinephelus afer
Large eye very close to forehead.
RKW Sharks Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (Small Coastal) Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Distinct white spots sporadic over body.
Distinct white spots.
Dorsal fin originates behind pec fins.
2nd dorsal is black tipped. No interdorsal ridge. Bonnethead (Small Coastal) Sphyrna tiburo
Scalloped Hammerhead (Large coastal) Sphyrna lewini Indentation on central part of head
Lacks interdorsal ridge Sandbar Shark (Large Coastal) Carcharhinus plumbeus
Interdorsal Ridge
Large dorsal fin originating over the midpoint of the pec fins.
Unlike the silky, short rear tip of 2nd dorsal fin. Blacknose Shark (Small Coastal) Carcharhinus acronotus
Dorsal originates behind pectoral fins. 2nd dorsal and anal fin have no markings.
Lacks interdorsal ridge. Dusky blotch at tip of snout more prominent in juveniles. Blacktip Shark (Large Coastal) Carcharhinus limbatus
Black tip on dorsal. No interdorsal ridge.
2nd dorsal is black tipped.
Anal fin is white.
Pectoral fin is black tipped. Finetooth Shark (Small Coastal) Carcharhinus isodon
No interdorsal ridge.
All fins are unmarked.
2nd dorsal and anal fin have no coloration. Tiger Shark (Large Coastal) Galeocerdo cuvieri
Interdorsal Ridge
Distinct black stripes.
Sand Tiger (Large Coastal) Odontaspis taurus
View shows underside of head. Spinner Shark (Large Coastal) Carcharhinus brevipinna
No interdorsal ridge. 2nd dorsal and anal fin black tipped.
Dorsal fin is black tipped. Dusky Shark (Large Coastal) Carcharhinus obscurus
Interdorsal Ridge.
Dusky (Carcass) Silky Shark (Large Coastal) Carcharhinus falciformis
“Silky” texture.
Long posterior tip on both 2nd dorsal and anal fin. Anal fin is black tipped.
Interdorsal ridge.