Archosargus probatocephalus
(Walbaum 1792)
Family Sparidae
Sheepshead are members of the porgy family. This species has moderately compressed – almost oval – deep and gray to silvery body. It is boldly marked with between four and seven broad black bars beginning beneath the first dorsal fin origin and ending on the caudal peduncle. The caudal fin is forked, and sheepshead have a moderately sized and terminal mouth. This species is a marine species that enters tidally influenced rivers and canals leading to marshes, and it typically prefers areas of hard substrate, though juveniles may be found in soft-bottom environments
Status & distribution
- Status — Marine invader
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central drainages, the Gulf Coast, South Florida and the Atlantic Coast