New Jersey Scuba Diving

Blackfish & Cunner

Cunners and Tautogs
Cunners and Tautogs

These fish are Wrasses, northern representatives of a widespread tropical family that includes Parrotfishes. Wrasses propel themselves slowly and precisely with their pectoral fins, using the tail only in emergencies. Tropical Wrasses feed on coral. Lacking this, their northern cousins feed primarily on mussels and other shellfish.

wrasse

People pay big money to see fish like this in the tropics. We have them right here!

US Fish & Wildlife Service Species Profile

Blackfish

Tautog ( Blackfish )

Tautoga onitis

Profile by Peter J. Himchak
Supervising Biologist,
Marine Fisheries

Range:
Tautog are distributed along the northeast Atlantic coast of North America from the outer coast of Nova Scotia to Georgia. Greatest abundances are found from Cape Cod to the Chesapeake Bay. North of Cape Cod, they are usually found close to shore ( within 4 miles ) in water less than 60 feet deep. South of Cape Cod, they can be found up to 40 miles offshore and at depths up to 120 feet.

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Cunner

Cunner ( Bergall )

Tautogolabrus adspersus

Cunner - A Profile
by Stacey Reap

A regular reef-system resident, the cunner (tautogolabrus adspersus) does not enjoy quite as glamorous a reputation as its close relative the highly prized tautog, but the two fish share many similarities.

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Comb Jellies

Comb Jelly

You cannot go diving in New Jersey waters without seeing Comb Jellies. Up close, rainbow-like rows of tiny beating hairs called cilia may be seen - the Comb Jelly's only means of propulsion. Comb jellies do not sting, but they are still voracious predators, feeding on anything they can engulf. At night they may phosphoresce - watch the boat wake as agitated Comb Jellies flash in the dark like depth charges. Cnidarians are exclusively marine, although some are tolerant of brackish water as well.

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Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2025 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

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