photo from Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Latin Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Species: Fish
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Spotted seatrout have a long, slender body, with a dark bluish-gray back and silvery sides. Several round, black spots are scattered on its back and sides, extending to the caudal fins. The first dorsal fin has 9-10 spines with the second dorsal fin having just one spine and 25-28 rays. They have 2 large canine-like teeth at the tip of the upper jaw. Spotted seatrout average 14 inches and 1.3 pounds with the South Carolina state record reaching 11 pounds, 13 ounces. They can live to 8-10 years.
Range & Habitat (map)
Spotted seatrout are found along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida. Spotted seatrout are found inshore in live bottom habitats, primarily estuaries and rivers, but can also be found in shallow coastal bays and sounds. They typically inhabit estuaries year-round in South Carolina.
Diet
Adult spotted seatrout prey on menhaden, spot, mullet, croaker, mud minnows, shrimp, and crabs in shallow tidal creeds and marsh grass edges. Juveniles feed on opossum shrimp, grass shrimp, copepods, amphipods, spot, and mud minnows. Larval spotted seatrout consume zooplankton.
Life History
Adults are common in salt marsh edges, near the mouths of tidal creeks and channels, and over oyster reefs. Juveniles and larvae utilize shallow tidal creeks and salt marshes as nursery habitats. Spotted seatrout do not tolerate colder temperatures, often overwintering in deeper channels or rivers. Adults spotted seatrout reach maturity at 1 year of age, with males at the size of 9 inches and females being 10 inches. Males attract females by using special muscles to vibrate their swim bladder, generating a drumming or croaking sound. Spawning occurs at night, often around piers, pilings, and deeper portions of the estuary.
Significance
Spotted seatrout are a popular recreational fish in South Carolina. They are also involved in research being conducted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). SCDNR conducts longline, trammel net, and estuarine trawl surveys to monitor recreational fish populations and make science-based management decisions. USCB studies underwater soundscapes, using noises made by species like spotted sea trout to learn more about their life history and the health of the Port Royal Sound.
Threats & How You Can Help
Threats to spotted seatrout include degradation and loss of estuarine habitat, compromised water quality, an influence of freshwater runoff on larval development, along with recreational fishing. If fishing for spotted seatrout, it is important to follow all regulations including size, catch, and seasonal limits. Purchasing a Saltwater Fishing License is required to fish recreationally in the Port Royal Sound, and also contributes money towards conservation.
Additional Resources
https://portroyalsoundfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022-PRSF-State-of-the-Sound-Symposium-Proceedings.pdf