Fin's Fish Guide
The Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sparidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to the Gulf of Mexico, in seagrass beds, estuaries and coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The pinfish is a deep, silvery fish of the family Sparidae (sea breams) reaching about 40 cm but usually smaller. The laterally compressed body bears yellow lengthwise stripes, faint bluish cross-bars and a black shoulder spot; the dorsal fin has sharp spines (the 'pins' from which it takes its name). The species lives in schools in seagrass beds, estuaries and coastal water from the USA to the Gulf of Mexico and tolerates brackish water. As an omnivore it eats small crustaceans, worms, seagrass and growth. In autumn it moves to sea to spawn offshore. It is much caught as bait and a small panfish and is an important link in the seagrass food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pinfish?
The Pinfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, silvery sea bream-like fish with yellow longitudinal stripes, bluish vertical bars and a black shoulder blotch; sharp dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Pinfish live?
The Pinfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Western Atlantic from the USA to the Gulf of Mexico, in seagrass beds, estuaries and coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Pinfish get?
The Pinfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Pinfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pinfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pinfish edible?
Yes, the Pinfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Sparidae
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