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Sheepshead
(Archosargus
probatocephalus)
Description:
Basic silvery color, with 5 or 5 distinct vertical black bands
on sides, not always the same on both sides. Prominent teeth,
including incisors, molars and rounded grinders. No barbels
on lower jaw. Strong and sharp spines on dorsal and anal fins.
Similar
fish: Black Drum, Pogonias croms, Atlantic Spandefish,
Chaetodipterus faber (black drum have barbles on lower jaw,
sheepshead do not. Vertical barring on sides of black drum
and spadefish mature. Spadefish have small, brush-like teeth).
Where
found: Inshore species around oyster bars, seawalls and
in tidal creeks. Moves nearshore in late winter and early
spring for spawing, gather over debris, artificial reefs and
around navigation markers.
Size:
Inshore 1 to 2 pounds. Offshore common to 8 pounds.
Remarks:
Feeds on mollusks and crustaceans such as fiddler crabs
and barnacles. Famed nibblers, prompting the saying that "anglers
must strike just before they bite."
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