Florida Reef Fish Species

Several dozen finfish species including snapper grouper and triggerfish are collectively termed reef fish.

Florida reef fish species. U measured as total length. This includes ones important to fishing like spiny lobster snapper and grouper. By only sampling anglers who plan on fishing for those species florida is improving recreational data collection. With miles and miles of coral reefs and proximity to the gulf stream the fishing opportunities are endless.

If you are not a gulf reef fish angler and don t plan on fishing for these reef species in the gulf this year please do not sign up or renew your participation in the gulf reef fish survey. Pursuant to section 120 74 florida statutes the fish and wildlife conservation commission has published its 2019 agency regulatory plan 2019 agency regulatory plan. Almost 1 400 species of marine plants and animals including more than 40 species of stony corals and 500 species of fish live on the florida reef. General information learn about the biology ecology stock abundance and management of florida s reef fish species.

Florida is the only state in the continental united states with extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts. Researchers monitor these populations to provide data that aids effective management of the fisheries. Reef fish florida saltwater fishing h spearing prohibited must remain in whole condition removal of gills and guts allowed. These animals depend on healthy coral reef seagrass mangrove and other habitats throughout their lives and are vulnerable to exploitation climate change habitat degradation and variable water quality.

Fish species brought to you in association with wickstrom publishers inc. Just beneath the twinkling satin surface of the caribbean you find schools of fish of a thousand different shapes and colors the surprising variety of finned friends is one of the reasons people get hooked on scuba diving. Popular with anglers looking for reef fishing charters in florida keys captain michael sisto and jersey key charters invite you to spend an exciting day fishing the waters around the florida keys. Coral reefs lay the foundation of a dynamic ecosystem.

To identify some of the most common and interesting reef fish in the caribbean florida and the western atlantic look for their distinctive characteristics. Total length is the straight line distance from the most forward part of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together while the fish is lying on its side. A few reef fish are downright menacing such as the various types of scorpionfishes and morays of which only the species most commonly caught by anglers are included here. Back to the fish species directory index.