| |
| Scientific
Name: |
Cynoscion
arenarius |
| Common
Names: |
White
Trout, Sand Trout |
| Range
& Habitat: |
Sand
seatrout are found Gulfwide, from bay and estuarine waters
to offshore waters 300 feet deep. Larger fish are more common
in offshore waters of moderate depths and in deep holes inshore.
It prefers sand or mud bottoms. In the Gulf of Mexico, the
fish is least common in southern Florida. Seasonally, large
sand seatrout will congregate at offshore oil and gas platforms
in moderately shallow water depths. |
| Identification
& Biology: |
This is an elongated fish with a mouthful of teeth. Usually
1 or 2 extra-large teeth are located in the front of the upper
jaw. Body is silver, with a yellow cast above and the fins
are yellowish. When sand seatrout grow larger than a pound,
they develop a beautiful iridescent lavender cast on their
heads and the front part of their bodies. Sand seatrout eat
fishes and shrimp. They are rated as the number one shrimp
predator in the Gulf of Mexico. |
| Size: |
They
usually average under 1 pound in bays and estuaries, but fish
of 3-5 pounds can be caught in deep inshore holes and in offshore
waters. |
| Food
Value: |
Very
good, but its soft texture makes it a difficult
fish to freeze. |
