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


Lost at Sea

Book: The Sea's Bitter Harvest

In January 1999, four clam boats were lost in separate incidents in the span of less than three weeks. First, on January 6, the Beth Dee Bob sank in rough weather with all hands. Two days later, the Cape Fear sank under similar circumstances. On January 18, the Adriatic went down with all hands, one day after the Ellie B ran up on the rocks at Manasquan Inlet. In total, 10 lives were lost, sparking a major Coast Guard investigation into safety practices on commercial fishing vessels.