Latin Name: Lagodon rhomboides
Species: Fish
Conservation Status: S4-5 - Secure
This species is most commonly known for their distinct golden yellow stripes down the length of their bodies, and a dark spot behind their gills. They have an overall rounded body and are flattened laterally. They get their names from their sharp or spiny dorsal fins that can stick your finger like a pin. On average they weigh only a pound and get about 4 to 6 inches in length.
Range & Habitat
They are most commonly found along the east coast of the United States and in the Gulf, from South Carolina to Louisiana. They live in shallow coastal waters in areas like seagrass beds, estuaries, and tidal creeks. These are their favorite areas because they like sandy or muddy bottom environments with structure or vegetation for protection and food. The juveniles stay near structures to avoid being prey but the adults venture out into deeper waters occasionally.
Diet
They are omnivorous meaning they eat both animals and plants. Their main prey as juveniles are small crustaceans, plankton, or other small invertebrates. However, as adults they shift to being more of a herbivore diet eating things like algae, and plants in their habitats. Although they still eat some worms, and mollusks.
Life History
This species lives a shorter life, only living about 4 years old and reaching maturity around 1 years old. They spawn offshore in cooler months and can release thousands of eggs into the water column, where fertilization occurs outside of their bodies. Once their eggs have hatched into larvae they use the currents to drift into the shallow water environments like seagrass beds or estuaries where they live and grow during the juvenile stage.
Significance
Due to their wide diet they play a significant role in the ecosystem both as prey and predator. They also hold a key place in the economic word, they are commonly used as baitfish by both recreational and commercial fishers. They are also often used as an indicator species because of their role in the ecosystem they reflect the health of their habitat.
Threats & How You Can Help
They, like many species, face threats from climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and other human destruction. One major threat for this species is the loss of their habitat, with dredging, nutrient runoff, and coastal development. All of these things cause heavy destruction of seagrass beds and that is one of their main habitats. The best way to help them maintain their population is to reduce water pollution, and to aid in efforts of seagrass restoration.
Additional Resources
https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.101383/Lagodon_rhomboides
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/saltwater/porgy/pinfish/
https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/public-information-and-education/species-profiles/pinfish