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Weakfish

Cynoscion regalis
Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
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Species Profile

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

FWC
Size
Common to 20 inches
Similar species
Spotted seatrout, C. nebulosus (has prominent spots); silver seatrout, C. nothus (bottom half of tail is longer than upper half); and sand seatrout, C. arenarius (lacks dark spots) Size: Common to 20 inches
Appearance
  • Back is dark olive or blue-green, fading to silvery sides and belly
  • Upper sides have wavy lines of small, irregular, dark spots
  • Pelvic and anal fins yellowish, other fins more pale
  • Pair of large canine teeth at tip of upper jaw
  • Tip of tongue colored with black
  • Lack barbels on lower jaw
Habitat
Coastal to offshore waters of the Atlantic (typically not in the Gulf of Mexico); juveniles found in estuaries
Behavior
May mature as early as age 1; spawns in nearshore or estuarine areas between April and October; schooling fish; feeds primarily on shrimp and fish.
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