Northern Sea Robin

Northern Sea Robin

Prionotus carolinus

Size:
to 16"

Description:
Sea Robins are distinguished by the three free rays of the pectoral fins, with which the fish can actually walk across the bottom. They make frog-like croaking sounds when disturbed. Sea Robins have razor-sharp gill covers and spines, and are best left alone - there's not much meat on them anyway.

Sea Robins are generally found inshore in harbors and inlets, in 30-40 foot depths, but move out to deep waters in winter.

Northern Sea Robin

Northern Sea Robin
The Sea Robin uses its "legs" to walk across the bottom and even turn over small stones.
Northern Sea Robin
Northern Sea Robin
Nose to nose with a baby Robin in an aquarium.
Northern Sea Robin
Divers can appreciate these extraordinary creatures, although fishermen revile them.
Herb Segars Photography


Scup (Porgy)

Stentotomus chrysops

Profile by Stacey Reap

Range:
Scup have been found along the Atlantic coast from the Bay of Fundy and Sable Island Bank, Canada, to as far south as Florida; however, the greatest concentrations can be found from Massachusetts to North Carolina. Depending upon the season, they can be found from coastal waters and estuaries out to depths of approximately 650 ft. along the outer continental shelf. A separate population of scup referred to as the "southern porgy" or S. aculeatus, is referenced in several South Atlantic Bight studies; however, there is no official differentiation made between the two populations by the American Fisheries Society.