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Spot

Artwork: Joann Wheeler 1999

Fast Fact:

One of the Bay's most important recreational and commercial species.  Record catch was a fish that weighed 2.3 lbs.              

Distribution Coastal: Gulf of Maine to Bay of Campeche, Mexico.
Chesapeake Bay: Mid and lower bay, often congregate over oyster beds.
Description Body deep, compressed; 12-15 oblique dusky bars present on upper side, distinct dusky to black spot present on body just behind dorsal end of gill opening.
Max. size 11 inches.
Food preference Juvenile: Crustacean zooplankton.
Adult: Worms, crustaceans, mollusks.
Spawning location Offshore coastal waters.
Spawning period Late fall to early spring, peaking in February.
Egg type Demersal
Additional Information Go to DNR's Fish Facts page or Juvenile Fish Index

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