Florida's
Regulated Fish and Their Look-Alikes
Illustrations and Copyright by Diane Rome
Peebles*
Organization
of Fish Identification Section
For those unfamiliar with the parts of a fish,
a
diagram is included for reference.
Description:
the details most readily observed have been
given top priority, since the angler has only
moments to decide whether a fish is or is not
a legal catch. Fin-ray counts are supplied when
essential.
Similar Fish:
many fish have "look-alikes," other
fish that resemble them closely. In such instances,
the most readily seen differences are given.
Where found:
although the ocean has no fences, many fish
are locked into particular habitats, information
that often tells the angler where to drop the
hook.
Size: anglers
usually judge the size of a fish by its weight,
which simplifies record keeping. Scientists
use length, since age/length relationships are
more reliable than age/weight.
Note: The Florida records quoted are
from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission's printed publication, Fishing
Lines
and are not necessarily the most current
ones. The records are provided as only as a
benchmark.
Remarks:
this includes the fish's life history (if known),
behavior, and feeding habits.
Source:
Fishing Lines, a Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission's publication.
Index
by common name
*Information provided by
Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
TEL 407-322-8415 
FAX 407-322-8416 
