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Pinfish

Pinfish

Lagodon rhomboides

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Fun Facts

Their name comes from sharp dorsal spines that can "pin" predators or handlers.

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Pinfish

Size:

Small in size, pinfish only grow to be 4.5 inches in length (11.43 centimeters).

Diet:

Pinfish start out as carnivores, feeding on shrimp, marine insects, fish eggs and worms. As they mature, they add plant matter into their diet.

Range & Habitat:

Pinfish can be found in coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, from Massachusetts to the north coast of Cuba.

Details:

Pinfish have oval bodies, pointed snouts, and forked tails. Shiny green with turquoise stripes, they feature a dark spot behind their gill cover. Found in seagrass beds and coastal waters, they help maintain ecosystem balance by feeding on amphipods, algae, and small invertebrates.