Florida Keys Fish ID Marine Science Period Cer0 mackerel Gulf flounder

Ocean Sunfish – Family Molidae Mola mola

Family: Serranidae - Groupers Lateral line complete and continuous, not reaching onto caudal fin Operculum bearing 3 spines Caudal fin usually rounded, truncate, or lunate; rarely forked Most are protogynous hermaphrodites, Bottom-dwelling predators that feed on crustaceans and fishes Etymology: Latin, serranus = derived from saw, fish saw

Red Grouper Epinephelus morio

Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara

Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin Grouper

Family: Lutjanidae- Snappers Dorsal fin continuous or slightly notched Pelvic fins originating just behind pectoral base Mouth terminal, Jaws bearing enlarged canine teeth Most species are predators of crustaceans and fishes, several are planktivores Etymology: Malay, ikan lutjan, name of a fish

Mutton Snapper Lutjanus analis

Queen Snapper Etelis oculatus

Family Istiophoridae - Billfishes Premaxilla and nasal bones produced, forming a spear-like bill or rostrum with a rounded cross-section. Bill used for stunning prey fish. Jaw teeth present. Two keels on each side of caudal peduncle in adults. Dorsal fin extending over much of body length; sometimes resembling a sail. Dorsal fin can be depressed into a groove. Lateral line persists in life.

Blue Marlin Photograph by Tony Arruza/Corbis Makaira nigricans

Family Coryphaenidae - Dolphinfishes Slender fishes with compressed head and body. The single dorsal fin originates on the head and extends over nearly the full length of the body. No spines; Deeply forked caudal fin. Forehead steep and high in adult males. Live specimens with exceedingly beautiful colors.

Dolphin Coryphaena hippurus

Scombridae - Mackerels Body elongate and fusiform, moderately compressed in some genera. Snout pointedmouth large; teeth in jaws strong, moderate, or weak; no true canines; palate and tongue may bear teeth. The 2 dorsal fins separate and depressible into grooves with 5-12 finlets behind second dorsal and anal fins; Pectoral fins high on body. Lateral line simple.

Cero Mackerel Scomberomorus regalis

Family: Carangidae - Jacks Body generally compressed though some are fusiform Scales along lateral line often modified into spiny scutes Large juveniles and adults with 2 dorsal fins Anterior dorsal fin with 3-9 spines; the second having 1 spine and usually soft rays Widely forked caudal fin Caudal peduncle slender Fast swimming predators of the waters above the reef and in the open sea Some root in sand for invertebrates and fishes Etymology: French, carangue = name of fish given in Caribe

Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus

Family: Labridae – Wrasses Most jaw teeth with gaps between them; teeth usually jutting outward Lateral line interrupted or continuous. Most species are sand burrowers; carnivores on benthic invertebrates; also planktivores, and some small species remove parasites from larger fishes Most species change color and sex with growth, from an initial phase of both males and females, the latter able to change sex into an often brilliantly colored terminal male phase Etymology: Latin, labrum = lip or edge

Hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus

Megalopidae – Tarpon Family Fusiform, compressed body. Mouth terminal, oblique or superior, lower jaw prominent, Single dorsal fin without spines Pectorals very low.

Tarpon Megalops atlanticus

Ladyfish – Family Elopidae Elops saurus

Bonefish – Family Albulidae Albula vulpes

Scorpaenidae –Scorpion Fish Family found in all tropical and temperate seas. Body compressed head usually with ridges and spines; Usually 1 dorsal fin, often notched. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines can bear venom gland. The family contains the world's most venomous fishes, many of them brightly colored. Most species live on or near the bottom and feed on crustaceans or fishes

Red Lion Fish Pterois volitans

Sphyraenidae - Barracudas Elongated body. Large-mouthed with the lower jaw projecting forward bearing strong fanglike teeth. Upper jaw non-protractile, an adaptation to feeding on large prey. Well-developed lateral line. Position of pectoral fins relatively low. Dorsal fins far apart.

Great Barracuda Sphyraena_barracuda

Family: Pomacanthidae – Angelfish Strongly compressed body Spine on preoperculum Caudal fin rounded to strongly lunate Typically diurnal Several species are protogynous hermaphrodites Three basic feeding styles: predation on sessile invertebrates, herbivory and planktivory Etymology: Greek, Poma- = operculum, acanth- = spine.

Queen Angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris Holacanthus ciliaris

Body usually deep and compressed Small mouth Incomplete and interrupted lateral line Many species are highly territorial herbivores, omnivores, or planktivores. Lay elliptical demersal eggs that are guarded by the males Included in this family are the anemonefishes Etymology: Poma- = opercle, centron = spine, (refers to pointed margin of opercle) Family: Pomacentridae – Damsel Fish

Longspine Squirrelfish Holocentrus rufus

Holocentridae – Squirrelfish Dorsal fin long with spines and a notched soft-rayed part with rays. Forked caudal fin; Large eyes. Spiny-edged operculum. Usually reddish in color. Most are nocturnal. Usually cryptic during the day in crevices or beneath ledges of reefs, along with cardinal fishes, bigeyes, and sweepers.

Cocoa Damsel Stegastes variabilis Juvenile Intermediate Adult

Balistidae – Triggerfish Usually compressed body. Pelvic fins fused to one spine. First dorsal spine with locking mechanism. Capable of rotating eyeballs independently. Triggerfish normally swim by undulating their second dorsal and anal fins, but will use their tail for rapid bursts. Most triggerfishes are solitary diurnal carnivores, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates.

Queen Triggerfish Balistes vetula

Porcupine Fish – Family Diodontidae Diodon hystrix

Gulf Flounder Paralichthys albiguttata

Requiem Sharks – Family Carcharinidae one of the largest families with 54 species in 12 genera Spindle shaped bodies being wider in the middle and tapering towards the nose and tail. Eyes are round and have an internal nictitating membrane for protection active hunters and eat a wide range of prey

Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas

Great White Shark Carcharodon carcharias

Mitsukurina owstoni Goblin Shark Family Mitsukurinidae