Popular Saltwater Fish Species

In the following, you will find information on many of the most common and sought-after species of saltwater fish, the majority of which are found around the Gulf coast in the United States.

Although it is impossible to name all of the species of saltwater fish, we believe that accurate fish identification may surely contribute to the success of conservation efforts.

Over the course of time, we will continue to catalogue new fish species.

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Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
The Tarpon, or Silver King, is an amazingly strong fish. It has large scales and an elongated dorsal fin with a bony underslung jaw. These fish are the kings of the sea and highly sought-after game fish that provide a dramatic fight with giant leaps and shaking of the body; mostly found in the open waters of the Gulf. This anglers dream is not typically an eating fish.
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Spotted Seatrout have a dark gray or green back and a light silvery underbelly, with distinct dark round spots on its back, fins, and tail. The spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is one of the most popular sport fish along the Texas/Louisiana coast. The highly sought-after speckled trout have great eating qualities and are willing to hit artificial and natural baits.
Southern Flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma
Southern Flounder are a flat fish with both eyes on the same side and a dark, spotted, "up" side. These fish spend most of their time on the sandy coastal bottom and have the ability to camouflage their "up" side to avoid predators. Southern Flounder are abundantly found west of the Mississippi River but can occur in other areas. They are an excellent eating fish and highly sought-after.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Sheepshead are distinctly identified with vertical black and white stripes and have gained the nickname "convict fish" - not only from appearance but also their bait stealing abilities. These fish have sharp spines, razor-edged gill covers, and jutting teeth. Sheepshead can be found in coastal waters with the greatest abundance in southwest Florida. They are excellent eating fish, but difficult to clean and fillet.
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Red Drum range from a deep blackish, coppery color to nearly silver and have a large black dot, sometimes multiple, on the upper tail fin. They are considered the most popular inshore and nearshore gamefish in the US and found abundantly along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They prefer shallow waters and are considered a good eating fish.
Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Pompano, known as one of the tastiest fish, are a toothless fish with a deeply forked tail. They have a grayish blue back, silvery sides, and yellow underbody - similar looking to a Jack Crevalle. Although they can be found all over the Gulf of Mexico, they are most common in the warm waters of Florida.
Ladyfish
Elops saurus
Ladyfish are a long, slender, silvery fish with a deeply forked tail and elongated, pointed, fins. Although they can be found many miles offshore, they are typically found in shallow brackish waters of bays, lagoons, and mangroves. Ladyfish are not a sought after eating fish mainly due to their boniness.
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
King Mackerel, commonly know as Kingfish, have an iron-gray back and are silvery on their sides and underbelly. They have 2 dorsal fins along with tiny finlets that line their back and belly. King Mackerel have 2 distinct populations; one in the Atlantic and one in the Gulf of Mexico. Although they are only average eating fish, they are a fun sport fish with powerful short runs and spectacular aerial displays.
Jack Crevalle
Caranx hippos
Jack Crevalle have a steep convex forehead, blunted face, and large eyes; easily identified from other Jack fish by a dark spot on their gill cover. These strong fighters are true bullies and will eat anything smaller than themselves - whether hungry or not. Jack Crevalle can be found throughout the coastal waters of the Western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. These are excellent game fish but poor eating fish, catch and release recommended.
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Cobia resemble a small shark with a torpedo-shaped body, single dorsal fin, and dark-brown back with a light underbelly. They are excellent game fish sought after by anglers due to their exhilarating fight on the line. Cobia are mostly found in the Atlantic and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They are considered a good eating fish.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Black Drum are closely related to the highly sought-after Redfish. These large bottom dwellers have a high arched back with many whiskers under their jaw; younger fish have 4 or 5 dark vertical stripes that disappear with age. Black Drum can adapt to a wide range of habitats and can be found along the Atlantic coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They are considered a good eating fish.