Specie Facts Description: back and upper sides olive to bluish with yellow spots;
lower sides and belly with alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and
yellow stripes; prominent midlateral yellow stripe begins at mouth
and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal
fin yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spot. Where found: juveniles INSHORE on grassbeds and back reefs; adults
NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs. Size: common to 3 pounds.
*Florida Record: 7 lbs., 5 ozs.
Remarks: found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in midsummer;
rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates.