Pinfish

Bream
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Porgies
Scientific Family Sparidae
Scientific Name Lagodon rhomboides
Spanish Name Chopa espina
ITIS# 169187
Tail shape Forked

Both the male and the female have a silvery sheen with five to six vertical bars on the side. They have olive backs with yellow and white pigmentation and blue, green, and purple iridescence. The anterior dorsal fin has 12 rigid, spiny rays capable of superficially puncturing human skin, giving the species its common name, pinfish.


Biology

Commonly found among plants on the ocean floor, occasionally over rocky bottoms and in mangrove areas. Enters brackish water and even freshwaters. Often forms large groups. Feeds mainly on small animals, especially crustaceans, but also takes mollusks, worms and occasionally small fishes that are associated with the grassy habitat.

Appearance

Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color: yellow
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side


Pattern
Striped
Length
Avg Length: 7 inches (18 cm)
Max Length: 16 inches (40 cm)
Maximum Weight
3.3 lbs (1510 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Harmless
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
MA-TX


Abundance
Abundant


Other Species from same Family