Saltwater Fish Species Guide Articles

Tautog

The Tautog (Tautoga Onitis), more commonly known as a Blackfish, belongs to a group of fish called Wrasse. The Wrasse family is one of the largest families of fish with over 450 known species. This family covers a range of fish from tiny to large. The Tautog is one of the smaller members of this family, weighing in at an average of only one to three pounds, and reaching a maximum length of about three feet.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, scientifically named Morone saxatilis and nicknamed the rockfish, are school moving fish. They migrate in packs for their whole lives. The first two years of their lives are spent in small packs, but they migrate in larger school groups during adulthood. Striped bass normally live in the east coast of North America, ranging from Canada all the way down to Florida. They were introduced to the Pacific coast in the late 19th century, so they can now be found from Washington down to California. They like to live inshore along reefs and other areas that create constant movement. They are anadromous and migratory, never staying in one place for too long.

American Shad

American Shad can be found in various parts of the United States. It is a larger sized fish and is prized for its white meat. The roe of the American Shad is also considered good for some types of caviar. The American Shad is often confused with the Hickory Shad, that is a member of the same family but is found mostly in Southern regions. The scientific name for the American Shad is Alosa Sapidissima although it is usually called Connecticut River Shad, Potomac Shad or White Shad.