Sheepshead
Convict fish
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Porgies
Scientific Family Sparidae
Scientific Name Archosargus probatocephalus
Spanish Name Sargo chopa
ITIS# 169189
Tail shape Forked
It is deep and compressed in body shape, with five or six dark bars on the side of the body over a gray background. It has sharp dorsal spines.
Biology
Lives in bays and estuaries. Freely enters brackish waters; sometimes enters freshwaters. Commonly found around pilings. Caught by anglers from jetties or rocky shore. Feeds mainly on mollusks and crustaceans.
Appearance
Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Black
Other Color: white
Other Color: white
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side
Pattern
Barred
Length
Avg Length: 14 inches (35 cm)
Max Length: 36 inches (91 cm)
Max Length: 36 inches (91 cm)
Maximum Weight
21.2 lbs (9630 g)
Specifications
Handling Concerns
Harmless
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
ME-TX
Abundance
Abundant
