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Permit

Trachinotus falcatus
Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Common to 50 pounds
Similar species
Florida pompano, T. carolinus (dorsal fin begins in front of anal fin) Size: Common to 50 pounds
Appearance
  • Gray, dark or iridescent blue back, shading to silver sides
  • Fish from dark waters have golden tints on belly
  • Dorsal fin begins over anal fin
  • Dorsal, anal and caudal fins long and sloped back
  • Forehead sharply rises to a “hump” then slopes back
  • Compressed body that is deeper than Florida pompano
  • Caudal fin has a narrow fork
  • Small permit have teeth on their tongue (absent in pompano)
Habitat
Offshore near structure; inshore over grass flats, sand and in channels.
Behavior
Spawning occurs primarily in early summer and again in fall. Permit have a specialized plate at the back of their mouth that helps them crush hard-shelled animals such as clams and crabs. Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates.
Additional information
State Record:Recreational RegulationsSee a full list of our Social Media accountsSubscribe:AboutThe CommissionCommission MeetingsWildlife AlertCalendar of EventsOutlook E-mailLimited English Proficiency PlanOffice of Supplier DevelopmentAmericans with DisabilitiesEEO/AAPrivacy StatementSitemap2025 Agency Regulatory Plan
Sources
Image credit: © Diane Rome Peebles