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Description: Dark gray or green above, with sky-blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.[/font][/center] [center][font "Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"]
Where found: Inshore and/or nearshore over grass, sand, and sandy mud bottums; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather.[/font][/center] [center][font "Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"]
Size: Common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast.[/font][/center] [center][font "Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"]
Remarks: Matures during first or second year and spawns Inshore from March through November; often in association with seagrass beds; lives mainly in estuaries and moves only short distances; adults feed mainly on shrimp and small fish; prefers water temperatures between 58 and 81o F, and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years.[/font][/center]
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