Fundulus heteroclitus
Size: to 5"
Habitat: Generally inshore in harbors, inlets, salt marshes, and other quiet waters. Tolerates a wide range of salinities.
Notes: This nondescript little fish is most commonly sold as bait for fishermen. Its Indian name means "They go in great numbers".
Loligo pealei
Size: to 17"
Habitat: Generally deep waters, but moves inshore in the summer. I have seen small ones at depths of 50-70 ft and babies in the rivers.
Notes:
The squid is a mollusk, related to snails and clams. These animals travel in schools, swimming backwards by jet propulsion. Small specimens are nearly transparent except for the eyes. Tropical squids can show considerable intelligence and curiosity, but northern versions are, well, just stupid. I have seen huge schools of small transparent squids offshore, just their eyes visible, like black marbles. In the rivers, I have seen small schools of purple squids, and tiny colorless babies drifting in the current. All are predatory.
More: Squids ...
