Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792)
Sheepshead
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Sparidae (Porgies)
Max. size:  91 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 9,630.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia, Canada and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Absent in Bermuda, the Bahamas, the West Indies and Grenada (Ref. 7251, 26938).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits bays and estuaries. Freely enters brackish waters; sometimes enters freshwaters (Ref. 26938). Commonly found around pilings. Caught by anglers from jetties or rocky shores (Ref. 9988). Feeds mainly on mollusks and crustaceans. An excellent food fish. Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten broiled, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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