Size
Maximum size 36cm (14")
Recognition Characters
Large head; dorsal and anal fins towrds the caudal fins; small spkes on the skin that extend past the anus; beak-like teeth
Color
Dark olive-gray dorsally with many tiny black spots and a black bar between the eyes; 6-8 elongated bars on the side; base of the pectoral fin is distinctly black.
Habitat & Depth
Bays, estuaries, more shallow water, sometimes on the reef
Distribution at GRNMS
Uncommon
Geographic Range
Newfoundland to Northeastern Florida
Behavior & Notes
Capable of inflating the body by gulping water into the stomach for defense
Synonyms