APAIS Fish Identification Cards

Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) #16

NO anal fin, spine on dorsal, some lateral spots

• General: Small, slender gray shark with white lateral spots.

• Size: Avg. adult 60–100 cm (24–39 in; 2.0–3.3 ft), 1–4 kg (2.2–8.8 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (39–49 in; 3.3–4.1 ft) and 5–9 kg (11–20 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Sharp spine anterior to each of the two dorsal fins.

  • No anal fin.

  • Pointed snout

  • Gray-brown dorsally, white ventrally, with scattered white spots.

  • cwith larger upper lobe.

• Memory cue: Spines + spots

Smooth Dogfish (Mastelus canis) #17

• Pelvic and anal fin, no spines, no white lateral spots ever

• General: Slender gray-brown shark lacking the dorsal-fin spines of spiny dogfish.

• Size: Avg. adult 90–120 cm (35–47 in; 3.0–3.9 ft), 2–6 kg (4.4–13.2 lb);

  • large adults (47–59 in; 3.9–4.9 ft) and 8–13 kg (18–29 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • No dorsal-fin spines.

  • Anal fin present.

  • Blunt, rounded snout.

  • Uniform gray-brown coloration, ribbed; no white lateral spots.

  • Small pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing crabs and shellfish.

• Memory cue: no spines, no spots.

Sheeps Head (Archosargus probatocephalus) #14

• General: Deep-bodied, silvery fish with bold black vertical bars and human-like teeth.

• Size: Avg. adult 30–60 cm (12–24 in; 1.0–2.0 ft), 1–4 kg (2.2–8.8 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (24–35 in; 2.0–3.0 ft) and 5–10 kg (11–22 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • 5–7 vertical bars on silvery body.

  • Deep, laterally compressed body.

  • Prominent human-like incisors visible at front of mouth.

  • Long dorsal fin with strong anterior spines.

  • Forked caudal tail.

• Memory cue: Black bars + human teeth

Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuroneotes americanus) #25

right-headed, dark molted/random blotches, small mouth “kissy face”; winter = mistletoe, convex caudal

• General: Right-eyed flounder with a dark brown body and small mouth, commonly found on sandy or muddy bottoms.

• Size: Avg. adult 30–45 cm (12–18 in; 1.0–1.5 ft), 0.5–1.5 kg (1.1–3.3 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (18–24 in; 1.5–2.0 ft) and (4.4–6.6 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Both eyes on right side of body.

  • Nearly straight lateral line (lacks the strong arch of summer flounder/fluke).

  • Small/short mouth; upper jaw does not extend past lower eye.

  • Dark brown to olive dorsal side, often with scattered dark spots.

  • Caudal tail usually squared to slightly rounded.

• Memory cue: Right eyes + small mouth + straight lateral line

Summer Flounder / Fluke (Paralichthys dentatus) #23

large mouth, many large ocelli (spots), “Dice pattern” nearly exactly on caudal side lying on lateral, left-facing, convex tail

• General: Large left-eyed flounder with a wide mouth and distinctive eye-like spots on the dorsal side.

• Size: Avg. adult 40–60 cm (16–24 in; 1.3–2.0 ft), 1–4 kg (2.2–8.8 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (24–35 in; 2.0–3.0 ft) and (11–22 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Both eyes on left side of body.

  • Large mouth; upper jaw extends well posterior to lower eye.

  • Prominent arch in lateral line above pectoral fin.

  • Brown dorsal side with 5 distinct eye-like spots (ocelli).

  • Elongated body compared to winter flounder.

• Memory cue: Left eyes + big mouth + 5 eye-spots

Fourspot Flounder (Paralichthys oblongus) #24

• General: Left-eyed flounder similar to summer flounder but marked by four large black spots on the body.

• Size: Avg. adult 25–40 cm (10–16 in; 0.8–1.3 ft), 0.3–1 kg (0.7–2.2 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (16–24 in; 1.3–2.0 ft) and (2.2–6.6 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Both eyes on left side of body.

  • Four large black spots arranged in pairs on dorsal side (most distinctive feature).

  • Large mouth extending posterior to lower eye.

  • Elongated body shape similar to summer flounder.

  • Brown to olive dorsal coloration.

• Memory cue: Left eyes + 4 large black spots

Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda) #2

7 or more diagonal black stripes on dorsal side

• Size: Avg. adult 50–75 cm (20–30 in; 1.6–2.5 ft), 2–6 kg (4.4–13.2 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (30–35 in; 2.5–3.0 ft) and (15–24 lb).

• NO dark spots on belly or lower sides (separates from little tunny/false albacore).

• Slender “bullet” body, smaller and more streamlined than true tunas (bluefin/yellowfin).

• Metallic blue-green dorsally, silver ventrally.

Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) #3

Memory Trick: Albatross = Big bird = Longest Pectoral fins

pectorals move past anal fin and 2nd dorsal

• General: Streamlined with very long pectoral fins and a metallic blue back fading to silver sides.

• Size: Avg. adult 60–100 cm (24–39 in; 2.0–3.3 ft), 4–15 kg (9–33 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (39–47 in; 3.3–3.9 ft) and (44–55 lb).

• No body spots or stripes.

• Slender tuna body, smaller than bluefin; more elongated than bonito.

Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) #4

Memory Trick: big eyes, straight edge, og 2 dorsal

very large dark eye and pectoral fins only reaches the origin of the second

dorsal (longer than bluefin, shorter than albacore).

Torpedo Body

From bird’s eye straight to body rather than (yellowfin have much more curved pectoral), more rotund

• Size: Avg. adult 80–140 cm (31–55 in; 2.6–4.6 ft), 10–60 kg (22–132 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (55–71 in; 4.6–5.9 ft) and (132–220 lb).

Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) #5

Gray spots and bands, may resembled tree bark,

pectoral fin are short and do not reach 2nd dorsal og

• General: Large, powerful with a thick, torpedo-shaped body built for sustained fast swimming in open ocean.

• Size: Avg. adult 150–250 cm (59–98 in; 5.0–8.2 ft), 100–250 kg (220–550 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (98–118 in; 8.2–9.8 ft) and (550–880 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Very robust, thick body (deepest-bodied Atlantic tuna).

  • Pectoral fins short (do not extend past dorsal fin base).

  • No body stripes or spots. Slight silvery vertical stripes.

  • Metallic dark blue-black dorsally, silvery ventrally.

  • Strongly forked caudal tail with finlets.

• Memory cue: Thick body + short fins

Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) #6

• longest 2nd dorsal and anal fins than any tuna. pectoral fin reaches to or past 2nd dorsal.

• 20+ white streaks and spots, yellow-gold band on sides (fades with death)

• Thin caudal

• Anal and 2nd dorsal fairly parallel

• Size: Avg. adult 100–180 cm (39–71 in; 3.3–5.9 ft), 20–80 kg (44–176 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (71–83 in; 5.9–6.9 ft) and (176–265 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Bright yellow second dorsal, anal, and finlets (key field ID).

  • Long, slender body compared to bluefin (more “torpedo-shaped”).

  • Pectoral fins moderate/long (extend to 2nd dorsal fin)

  • Second dorsal fins moderately long, extremely long in adulthood

  • No stripes or spots on body.

  • Metallic dark blue dorsally, blue-green center, silver ventrally

• Memory cue: Yellow fins + sleek body + long curved 2nd dorsal

Little Tunny / False Albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) #1

• Wavy black lines on pack, fingerprint spots on chest (between the pectoral and ventral fins)

• little tunny spots on belly

• Size: Avg. adult 40–70 cm (16–28 in; 1.3–2.3 ft), 2–6 kg (4.4–13.2 lb); large adults commonly reach 70–90 cm (28–35 in; 2.3–3.0 ft) and 8–12 kg (18–26 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • No stripes or diagonal bands

  • Short pectoral fins; robust, chunky

Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) #7

• 4-6 dark horizontal stripes that go onto belly “skipping rope”

• General: Small, streamlined with bold horizontal stripes, short pectorals, torpedo-shaped body.

• Size: Avg. adult 40–70 cm (16–28 in; 1.3–2.3 ft), 2–8 kg (4.4–18 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (28–35 in; 2.3–3.0 ft) and (18–26 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • 4–6 bold dark horizontal stripes on belly/lower sides (KEY ID feature).

  • Strong, muscular “bullet” tuna shape.

  • Deeply forked caudal tail; finlets present.

  • Metallic blue-purple dorsally, silver ventrally.

  • Short pectoral fins (do not extend far back).

Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) #21

Blue dorsally, wavy faded diagram stripes, small warm to gray dots across lateral

got it all? = excess = chub its doin too much

• General: Small, fast schooling fish with a streamlined rounded body, wavy vertical markings on the back

• Size: Avg. adult 25–40 cm (10–16 in; 0.8–1.3 ft), 0.3–1 kg (0.7–2.2 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (16–20 in; 1.3–1.6 ft) and (2.2–4.4 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Wavy, vertical to cloudy dark lines on upper back.

  • Small round spots on lower sides/belly, yellow pigement

  • Strongly forked caudal tail.

  • Two dorsal fins: first spiny, second followed by finlets.

  • No swim bladder (important biological trait, often used in fisheries ID).

• Memory cue: Wavy back + yellow tint + belly spots

Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombus) #20

• Squiggle stripe; even spacing  mackerel pattern

• Spots across entire belly pattern

• Yellowly tipped fins when alive; fluorescent eyeball 

• MUCH larger eyeball 

• General: Small, fast schooling fish with a streamlined body and strong wavy stripes on the back, yellow tone

• Size: Avg. adult 30–40 cm (12–16 in; 1.0–1.3 ft), 0.5–1.5 kg (1.1–3.3 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (16–20 in; 1.3–1.6 ft) and (3.3–5.5 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Strong dark wavy vertical lines on dorsal/back only.

  • NO spots on belly or lower sides (KEY distinction from chub mackerel).

  • Metallic blue-green dorsally, silver ventrally.

  • Strongly forked caudal tail.

  • Two dorsal fins: first spiny, second followed by finlets.

• Memory cue: Pronounced wavy back only, clean belly

White Perch (Morone americana) #35

• Almost like a miniature stripped bass; same fin structure)

• White = divide the dorsals

• Sloped forehead 

• White = Simple = Forked tail

• General: Deep-bodied, silvery fish with a perch-like shape and no distinct body stripes.

• Size: Avg. adult 20–30 cm (8–12 in; 0.7–1.0 ft), 0.2–0.7 kg (0.4–1.5 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (12–18 in; 1.0–1.5 ft) and (2.2–4.4 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Silvery-gray body

  • Deep, laterally compressed body.

  • Single dorsal fin appearing divided into spiny anterior and soft posterior sections.

  • Small mouth; lower jaw does not protrude.

  • Often shows a faint dark patch near the posterior edge of the gill cover.

• Memory cue: Small mouth/jaw + dark patch by gills + spiny 1st spiney dorsal,

Acadian Redfish (Sebastes fasciatus) #36

• General: Deep-bodied, bright red to orange fish with large eyes and a spiny, ridged head.

• Size: Avg. adult 25–40 cm (10–16 in; 0.8–1.3 ft), 0.5–1.5 kg (1.1–3.3 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (16–22 in; 1.3–1.8 ft) and (4.4–8.8 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Bright red to orange coloration over most of body.

  • Very large eyes relative to head size.

  • Head with prominent spines and ridges.

  • Large mouth; lower jaw slightly protruding.

  • Long dorsal fin with strong anterior spines.

• Memory cue: Red body + big eyes + spiny head

American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) #37

herring

 “American painter”; small lateral line dots sometimes in gills; past plate, gill rakers are very “feather”-like 

herring; similar fin placement to Atlantic herring

• General: Large, silvery, laterally compressed, single dark shoulder spot, and a deeply forked tail.

• Size: Avg. adult 40–55 cm (16–22 in; 1.3–1.8 ft), 1–3 kg (2.2–6.6 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (22–30 in; 1.8–2.5 ft) and (6.6–13.2 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large dark spot posterior to gill cover ("shoulder spot").

  • Often followed by a row of smaller faint spots along the upper side.

  • Small mouth; lower jaw projects slightly.

  • Deeply forked caudal tail.

  • Sharp ventral keel (saw-like belly scutes) ** can’t see

• Memory cue: small mouth, one large shoulder spot, sometimes row of spots

Hickory Shad (Alosa mediocris) #38

herring; similar fin placement to atlantic; more boney gill rakers; “hickory comb” not feather painter

• General: Silvery, dark shoulder spot, “upturned” large mouth

• Size: Avg. adult 30–45 cm (12–18 in; 1.0–1.5 ft), 0.5–1.5 kg (1.1–3.3 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (18–24 in; 1.5–2.0 ft) and (4.4–6.6 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large mouth with lower jaw projecting beyond upper jaw (best field ID).

  • Distinct dark shoulder spot posterior to gill cover.

  • Deeply forked caudal tail.

  • Sharp ventral keel (saw-like belly scutes) ** can’t see

• Memory cue: Big mouth

Atlantic Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) #39

• “Wooden spoon shape”

• Large dark spot behind gill plate 

• Head ⅓ body size (even)

• overbite

• General: Deep-bodied, silvery baitfish ("bunker") with a large shoulder spot and a distinctive overhanging upper jaw.

• Size: Avg. adult 25–35 cm (10–14 in; 0.8–1.2 ft), 0.3–0.8 kg (0.7–1.8 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (14–20 in; 1.2–1.6 ft) and (2.2–3.3 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large black shoulder spot posterior to gill cover.

  • Tiny mouth with upper jaw extending well beyond lower jaw ("overbite" appearance).

  • Blunt, rounded head profile.

  • Deep, laterally compressed, almost oval-shaped body.

  • Deeply forked caudal tail.

  • Often several smaller spots trailing behind shoulder spot.

• Memory cue: Big spot + little overbite mouth

Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) #40

Silverly, shiny, dorsal evenly in center withe pelvic fin more central as well ;

Upper jaw upturned 

aka shad thing

• General: Slender, silvery schooling fish with slender body

• Size: Avg. adult 25–30 cm (10–12 in; 0.8–1.0 ft), 0.2–0.5 kg (0.4–1.1 lb)

  • large adults commonly reach (12–15 in; 1.0–1.2 ft) and (1.1–1.8 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Very slender, streamlined body

  • No patterns, Smooth, bright silver sides with bluish-green dorsal surface.

  • Small terminal mouth; lower jaw does not project strongly.

  • Strongly forked caudal tail.

• Memory cue: No patterns + blueish-green + slim body

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) #53

Drum family; DOES NOT HAVE continuous tail spots, ends on body, more speckley than it’s spotted “sea” relation

• Yellow tipped fins 

• weaker = smaller teeth

• General: Slender, silvery coastal fish, many faint dorsal polka-dots, a large toothed mouth; sometimes shows a slight yellow/bronze sheen.

• Size: Avg. adult 40–60 cm (16–24 in; 1.3–2.0 ft), 1–3 kg (2.2–6.6 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (24–30 in; 2.0–2.5 ft) and (6.6–13.2 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Irregular dark spots on back and dorsal fin (spiney and rounded)

  • Large mouth with prominent canine teeth.

  • Slender, elongated body.

  • Slightly forked caudal tail.

  • Color usually silvery-gray, sometimes faint yellow/bronze tint.

• Memory cue: Spots + slender + silver/bronze + big toothed mouth

Silver Perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) #54

• Drum Family; Less steep head, caudal convex still pointed/angular “perching on the edge”

• silver DOES NOT divide the dorsals

• No strong barbs

• silver with brassy or yellow sheen and fins

• General: Small, slender silvery drum, yellowish sheen, large eye

• Size: Avg. adult 15–25 cm (6–10 in; 0.5–0.8 ft), 0.1–0.3 kg (0.2–0.7 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (10–12 in; 0.8–1.0 ft) and (0.7–1.1 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large eye relative to head size (noticeably “bug-eyed” look in small drum).

  • Golden-yellow to brassy sheen, especially on sides and fins.

  • Faint vertical or slightly oblique bars may be visible (not bold).

  • Small terminal mouth; no canine teeth.

  • Slightly forked caudal tail.

• Memory cue: Big eye + yellow sheen

Polluck (Pollachius virens) #58

• cod-family 3 dorsal fins

• More pointed, underbite

• Uniform anal and pelvic parallel

• Broken up bright lateral line 

• greenish?

• General: Slender, dark greenish-brown back, distinct pale lateral line

• Size: Avg. adult 60–90 cm (24–35 in; 2.0–3.0 ft), 2–7 kg (4.4–15 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (35–43 in; 3.0–3.6 ft) and (18–26 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins

  • Lower jaw slightly longer than upper jaw (small overbite).

  • Straight, sharply defined white lateral line (key ID feature).

  • Dark olive-green to brown dorsally, silvery sides; no chin barbel.

  • Caudal fin slightly forked.

• Memory cue: straight white lateral line + 5 dorsal/anal

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) #59

• cod-family

• 3 dorsals (1st dorsal pointy)

• “Haddo run with the devil” “Devils thumb print” giant ?? across (above) a black road (lateral line)

• Concave tail

• slim body, silver belly, dark dorsally

• General: Slender, gray-brown silver, dark lateral line and distinctive black “thumbprint” spot above the pectoral fin.

• Size: Avg. adult 40–60 cm (16–24 in; 1.3–2.0 ft), 1–3 kg (2.2–6.6 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (24–30 in; 2.0–2.5 ft) and (6.6–11 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins

  • Black lateral line that is sharply curved above the pectoral fin (KEY ID)

  • Distinct dark “thumbprint” blotch behind gill cover above pectoral fin.

  • Small chin barbel present (short, less obvious than cod).

  • Caudal fin slightly forked.

  • Gray-brown dorsal surface with silvery sides.

  • large eyes

• Memory cue: Curved black lateral line + thumbprint spot + 5 dorsal/anal

Atlantic Wolffish (Anarchichas lupus) #8

• General: Large, elongated bottom-dwelling fish with a thick head and powerful jaws filled with strong, crushing teeth.

• Size: Avg. adult 60–100 cm (24–39 in; 2.0–3.3 ft), 5–12 kg (11–26 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (39–59 in; 3.3–4.9 ft) and (26–44 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Very large head with blunt snout and heavy jaw structure (distinct “bulldog” look).

  • Prominent canine-like teeth visible when mouth is open.

  • Long, eel-like but robust body (not truly slender like eel).

  • Long continuous dorsal fin running much of body length.

  • No pelvic fins (key family trait).

  • Mottled gray, brown, or purplish coloration with dark vertical stripes or splotches

• Memory cue: Big head + big teeth + no pelvic fin

Scup / Porgy (Stenotomus chrysops) #34

idk most general white silver classic fish

sometimes have bars 

Side is ovally, laterally compressedm Pointed pectoral fins, Forked caudal tail, silver, small lips, laterally compressed round

• General: Deep-bodied, silvery porgy with a small mouth and distinctive incisor-like front teeth, common in coastal New England waters.

• Size: Avg. adult 20–30 cm (8–12 in; 0.7–1.0 ft), 0.2–0.8 kg (0.4–1.8 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (12–16 in; 1.0–1.3 ft) and (2.2–4.4 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Deep, laterally compressed, round body

  • Strong incisor-like front teeth (visible when mouth is slightly open).

  • Silvery-gray body with faint vertical bars (often subtle in photos).

  • Long dorsal fin with strong anterior spines.

  • Pointed pectoral fins, Forked caudal tail

  • Small terminal mouth; thin lips

• Memory cue: forked caudal, pointed pectoral, small lips, incisor teeth

Tautog “Black Fish” (Tautoga onitis) #27

Wrasse family; Fat fleshy lips, human conical teeth,

Female = molted, Males = black & white w spot

crushers all the way down the throat, Males usually just Mottled, white spot behind pectoral, white belly, Females have bars 

• General: Thick-bodied, dark-colored, blunt head, strong crushing teeth, large lips, chin barbel

• Size: Avg. adult 30–50 cm (12–20 in; 1.0–1.6 ft), 1–5 kg (2.2–11 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (20–30 in; 1.6–2.5 ft) and (11–22 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Dark brown to black mottled coloration (often “dirty” or camouflaged look).

  • Very thick, robust body and large blunt head.

  • Thick fleshy lips (very distinctive).

  • Strong crushing teeth (molars-like)

  • Small chin barbel present (important ID feature).

  • Long dorsal fin with strong anterior spines; continuous fin structure.

  • Rounded to slightly forked caudal tail and rounded pectoral

• Memory cue: Dark + thick lips + chin barbel = Tautog (“Blackfish”).

Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) #28

Wrasse family; Short protruding teeth. Greenish, orangish reddish (color changes with habitat = cunning trickster) Smaller, Thick caudal peduncle 

• General: Small wrasse with a slender, elongated body and variable coloration

• Size: Avg. adult 15–25 cm (6–10 in; 0.5–0.8 ft), 0.1–0.5 kg (0.2–1.1 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (10–14 in; 0.8–1.2 ft) and (1.1–2.2 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • More slender and long wrasse body

  • Highly variable coloration (green, brown, reddish, or mottled/rusty).

  • Small mouth with protruding snout

  • No chin barbel

  • Long dorsal fin running much of body length.

  • Rounded to slightly forked caudal tail and rounded pectoral

• Memory cue: Slim + rusted + no chin barbel

Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) #22

High arched lateral line, concave caudal (inner), right-headed, large mouth,diamond shape!!

• General: Right-eyed, pointed mouth, with a diamond-shaped body

• Size: Avg. adult 80–150 cm (31–59 in; 2.6–4.9 ft), 15–80 kg (33–176 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (59–98 in; 4.9–8.2 ft) and (176–440 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Both eyes on right side of body.

  • Large, elongated "diamond-shaped" body (less rounded than typical species).

  • Large mouth extending posterior to lower eye.

  • Forked caudal tail with “synch” base

  • Dark brown to olive dorsal side; white blind side.

  • Lateral line arches slightly over pectoral fin.

• Memory cue: Right-eyed, diamond, large mouth

Clearnose Skate (Rostroraja egianteria) #11

• 1 back line of spines (rather than 2), diamond shape, Scattered bars like sprinkles

• General: Left-eyed, pointed snout, and distinctive translucent patches on the snout.

• Size: Avg. adult 45–70 cm (18–28 in; 1.5–2.3 ft) total length, 1–3 kg (2.2–6.6 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (28–35 in; 2.3–3.0 ft) and (6.6–11 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Translucent ("clear") patches on either side of the pointed snout

  • Numerous small dark spots, waves, blotches across dorsal surface.

  • Row of enlarged thorns/spines along the dorsal midline and tail.

  • Triangular disc with small pointed rostrum.

  • Long, slender tail with small dorsal fins near the tip.

• Memory cue: Clear nose + spotted back + rostrum + tail spines

Winter Skate (Leucoraja ocellata) #13

Smooth female under, shorter male claspers = polite season of joy etc lol cuffing season

two “snowflake” spots

• General: Large, broad-bodied skate with a rounded disc and prominent eye-like spots on the dorsal surface.

• Size: Avg. adult 60–100 cm (24–39 in; 2.0–3.3 ft) total length, 3–10 kg (6.6–22 lb); large adults commonly reach (39–59 in; 3.3–4.9 ft) and (22–44 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large dark eye-like spots (ocelli) on each pectoral wing (key ID feature).

  • Broad, rounded.

  • Brown to gray dorsal coloration with scattered dark markings.

  • Row of thorns/spines along midline of back and tail.

  • Short, pointed snout

• Memory cue: Eye-spots on wings, short snout

Little Skate (Leucoraja erinacea) #12

Males = long claspers “rude”

Females = “she’s rough around the edges” around cloaca

Little spots all over when alive  evenly space, rounder shape

• General: Rounded, short snout, and many numerous tiny dark spots across the dorsal surface.

• Size: Avg. adult 35–50 cm (14–20 in; 1.2–1.6 ft) total length, 0.5–1.5 kg (1.1–3.3 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (20–24 in; 1.6–2.0 ft) and (3.3–5.5 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Rounded body, short, blunt snout.

  • Numerous small dark spots scattered across dorsal surface.

  • Row of small thorns/spines along midline of back and tail.

  • Thin tail

• Memory cue: Many tiny spots, thin tail, many dark spots

Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) #32

• General: Deep-bodied, laterally compressed, a small mouth, “pursed” lips, sometimes thin triangle 1st dorsal fin, larger triangular trigger-like 2nd dorsal spine with parallel match anal fin

• Size: Avg. adult 25–40 cm (10–16 in; 0.8–1.3 ft), 0.5–2 kg (1.1–4.4 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (16–24 in; 1.3–2.0 ft) and (4.4–11 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Prominent first dorsal spine ("trigger") on top of head.

  • Small “pursed” mouth with strong incisor-like teeth.

  • Deep, diamond-shaped, laterally compressed body.

  • Tough, leathery gray skin with small scales.

  • Small pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins set far posterior and mirror each other.

  • Crescent-shaped caudal tail in adults.

• Memory cue: Diamond body + large triangular & mirrored posterior fins

Northern Kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) #33

Above pectoral there’s a V pattern that is relatively

V = vendetta = power = king of the north

• General: Slender, long, silver, bottom-dwelling with a slightly humped back and a single chin barbel.

• Size: Avg. adult 20–35 cm (8–14 in; 0.7–1.2 ft), 0.2–0.8 kg (0.4–1.8 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (14–20 in; 1.2–1.6 ft) and (2.2–4.4 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Single short chin barbel (best ID feature).

  • Slender, elongated body with slightly arched thin anterior 1st dorsal

  • Silvery body sometimes with faint oblique/wavy dark bars on upper sides.

  • Small shark-like mouth without lips

  • Long first dorsal fin with tall 2nd anterior spines.

  • Slightly forked waved caudal tail

• Memory cue: Long slender silver fish with thin curved 1st dorsal, 1 chin barb

Cusk (Brosme brosme) #9

 “eel-like fish-ish” on the “cusp” of being an eel, still has ( c ) caudal, 1 chin barbel

• General: Elongated, single long dorsal fin, mirrored anal fin, and 1 chin barbel.

• Size: Avg. adult 50–80 cm (20–31 in; 1.6–2.6 ft), 2–6 kg (4.4–13.2 lb);

  • Large adults commonly reach (31–43 in; 2.6–3.6 ft) and (13–26 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • 1 continuous dorsal fin, white outer, running nearly the entire length of the back

  • Single chin barbel.

  • Long anal fin mirroring the dorsal fin.

  • Elongated eel-like body with a relatively blunt head.

  • Rounded caudal tail

  • Brown-to-gray coloration, often mottled.

• Memory cue: 1 long dorsal fin + 1 barbel

Ocean Pout (Zoarces americanus) #10

eel-like, pouting bc not, Giant lips; overbite, yellowy fins, no caudal

bars from eyes like makeup streams from crying

• General: Eel-like bottom fish with a long continuous fin around most of the body and a thick, fleshy appearance.

• Size: Avg. adult 30–60 cm (12–24 in; 1.0–2.0 ft), 0.5–2 kg (1.1–4.4 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (24–39 in; 2.0–3.3 ft) and (4.4–11 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Very long continuous dorsal fin that joins the caudal and anal fins.

  • Eel-like body shape with a thick, fleshy head.

  • Short mouth with thick lips, under bite

  • No chin barbel (important distinction)

  • Mottled brown, many spots, olive, or reddish coloration.

  • Rounded tail, “lacking” caudal fin

• Memory cue: Eel-like fish + no chin barbel + “lack” of caudal fin

Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) #15 (rare)

• More vertical angle on head 

• Juvenile has bars, adults no oop

• General: Large, deep-bodied with a high humped back, blunt head, and distinctive numerous chin barbels.

• Size: Avg. adult 50–100 cm (20–39 in; 1.6–3.3 ft), 5–20 kg (11–44 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (39–59 in; 3.3–4.9 ft) and (44–110 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Multiple chin barbels ("whiskers") under lower jaw

  • Deep, high-backed body with arched dorsal profile.

  • Blunt snout and inferior (downward-facing) mouth.

  • Adults typically gray to black; juveniles often have bold vertical black bars.

  • Defined lateral line

  • Long dorsal fin with spiny anterior section and soft posterior section.

  • Slightly forked to rounded caudal tail.

• Memory cue: Big drum with chin whiskers + striped (or gray)

Atlantic Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) #19

“thrashes” with weird ass tail to hunt

• General: Shark with an extremely elongated upper caudal tail lobe

• Size: Avg. adult 300–450 cm (118–177 in; 9.8–14.8 ft) total length, 100–250 kg (220–550 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (177–217 in; 14.8–18.0 ft) and (550–1,100 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Upper lobe of caudal tail as long as, or longer than, the rest of the body

  • Very pointed snout and relatively small mouth.

  • Slender torpedo

  • Large wide pectoral fins.

  • Gray, blue-gray, or brownish dorsally; white ventrally.

• Memory cue: Whip-like tail longer than body

Shortfin Mako (Isurus ocyrinchus) #18

• mako my shark fins bigger (they’re small) Curled in jaged teeth, protruding, Pointy, fast, aerodynamic 

• pointy teeth = needs “mako”-up to glow up lol

• General: Streamlined long shark, short pectoral, crescent caudal with larger dorsal side

• Size: Avg. adult 200–300 cm (79–118 in; 6.6–9.8 ft), 60–150 kg (132–330 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (118–157 in; 9.8–13.1 ft) and (330–660 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Very stiff, crescent-shaped (lunate) caudal tail.

  • Short pectoral fins (key distinction from many coastal sharks).

  • Pointed, conical snout.

  • Mirrored tiny anal and 2nd dorsal fins

  • Dark metallic blue dorsally, bright white ventrally.

  • Large, dark eyes.

• Memory cue: top heavy crescent tail + short pectoral fins, cone snout

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) #29

• Sharp teeth 

• Significant underbite,

• Moderately elongegaet

• Dark blotch at pectoral fin base 

Also called snapper ___

• General: Thin fish, large mouth, sharp teeth, and a blue-green darked lined back.

• Size: Avg. adult 40–70 cm (16–28 in; 1.3–2.3 ft), 1–5 kg (2.2–11 lb);

  • large adults commonly reach (28–39 in; 2.3–3.3 ft) and (11–22 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large, downturned mouth, with uniform razor-sharp teeth

  • Single dorsal fin (no second fin, no finlets)

  • No patterns; Bluish-green and dark-lined dorsally, silver ventrally with a sharp color contrast line.

  • Deeply forked caudal tail with strong crescent shape

• Memory cue: Clean blue-green body + at times big visible teeth + no finlets, large downturn mouth

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) #30

• General: Elongated, silvery fish with a robust body, large mouth, and distinctive dark horizontal stripes running along the sides. Back is olive-green to bluish-gray, fading to bright silver on the sides and belly.

• Size: Avg. adult 50–90 cm (20–35 in; 1.6–3.0 ft), 2–9 kg (4–20 lb);

  • Large adults commonly reach (35–47 in; 3.0–3.9 ft) and (20–50 lb).

• Key IDs:

  • Large terminal to slightly lower-set mouth; slight underbite

  • Two separate dorsal fins (a spiny first dorsal and a soft-rayed second dorsal)

  • 7–8 prominent dark horizontal stripes extending from gill cover to deeply forked tail

• No finlets behind the dorsal or anal fins

Memory cue: bold horizontal stripes + olive-green/blue-grey + protruding lower jaw

Alewife #41

herring (lighter stomach lining INSIDE BODY compared to blue); more often; sharp saw-life ridges ventral sided 

wife is light

Wahoo #42

nuff said

King Mackerel #43

• “Bow down the king” ; lateral bows down very sharply

• Silvery at mid-line/underside

• Almost scaleless 

Spanish Mackerel #44

• Orange spots = spanish flags, in line with lateral line 

• Very slender

• light yellowy coloration, bright

Oyster Toadfish #45

god’s least favorite creature

Spotted Hake #46

• cod-family but 2 dorsal fins

• 1st dorsal is showy

• White spots on lateral line 

• barbel

• rounded caudal

Windowpane Flounder #47

• Almost translucent very thin = glass

• Lateral line curves over pectoral fin similar to giant diamond cousin

• Left-facing

• Rounded body

Spot #48 (uncommon)

• Drum family; Very silvery, yellow finlets, giant black spot by pectoral, large eye of similar size 

Southern Kingfish #49 (uncommon)

drum family; king without power; trumpies don’t get V lmao

Pinfish #50

• Like a scup and a spot had a baby lol — pin the tail on the donkey? idfk

• Bars, stripes, and big pectoral

• Anal fin with yellowfish inner band and caudal 

Pigfish #51 (rare)

• Each scale has a blue center 

• Mouth small 

Spotted Seatrout #52

• Drum family; Very distinctive black spots all the way to caudal tail and through, and on dorsal fins. spots across the sea, versus its weak brother

• Big pointy teeth

Atlantic Croaker #55 (uncommon)

• drum family

• Actually make croaking noise 

• dark pectoral fin base

Northern Puffer #56

dark bar across eyes “unibrow” puffer

Silver Hake #60

• 3 dorsal fins

• Distinct for hakes, more scaly silvery in comparison 

• Teeth (distinct)

• Prominent lateral line

• Even caudal 

• No barbel 

Atlantic / White Hake #61

• Shorter filament on first dorsal

• 1 chin barbel 

• Epibranchial Feelers 

• 2 rackers epibrocical (hinge of gill structure)

Red Hake #62

• 3 gill rakers “red has three letters”

• showy long filaments, especially on longest filament 1st dorsal

• (can be broken off though)

Striped Searobin #63

2 lateral stripes

faded tan bars

yellow/lighter coloration

very long pectoral wing (halfway through 2nd dorsal)

Northern Searobin #64

• wing like pectoral to 2nd dorsal

• Oscilated spot on first dorsal

• No ventral lines

Longhorn Sculpin #65

long horns, molted pattern (poison)

sculpted strange

Shorthorn Sculpin #66

short horns, molted pattern (poison)

sculpted strange

Sea Raven #67

• weird lookin guy, prickly, great camo, smart trickster like a bird

• Fleshy tabs on the end of hte spins very irregular 

• Very puffy air bladder

• Less fringe of jaw of than oyster toad 

Goosefish #68

what we call a monkfish

Conger Eel #69

Blue Shark

• Slow scavenger shark

• Very thin, narrow 

• Longer pectoral fings

• Long fin and tail

Black Sea Bass #31

• “Prehistoric looking” very spiny, long caudal tail tips

• Born females and turns male, they have a bump on their head 

• Large rounded pectoral 

• Endemic, not invasive 

Blueback Herring

herring (darker stomach lining INSIDE BODY compared to alewife); Darker blue on top

Cod

• 3 dorsal fins (like all in cod family) semi-rounded comparatively to P and H

• rounded caudal tail

• Sometimes have speckles, almost giraffe version (brownish reddish) of cheetah

• Very clear curved white lateral line but broken across brown body

• tiny barbel