Tautog
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Family:Labridae
Species:Tautoga onitis
Tautog is a type of fish found in saltwater from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. It lives along the bottom in and amongst rocks, wrecks, mussel beds, bridge pilings or other bottom features.
Tautog have many features than make it ideal for them to live in and around rocky areas. They have pair of thick rubbery lips and powerful jaws. The backs of their throat contain a set of teeth resembling molars. Together these are used to pick and crush prey such as small crabs and other crustaceans. Their skin also has a rubbery quality, which may help to protect them when swimming among rocks.
Popular among fishermen, tautog have a reputation for being a particular tricky fish to catch. Part of this is because of their tendency to live among rocks and other structure that can cause a fisherman’s line to get snagged. The favorite baits for tautog include: green crabs, fiddler crabs, clams, mussels, sandworms and lobsters.
Because they are often found in wrecks, they are often seen by scuba divers. They are also popular with spearfishermen.
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Life Cycle
- Spawning occurs in late spring to early summer offshore
- The eggs hatch and develop while drifting. They take residence in shallow protected waters and live and hide in seaweed, sea lettuce or eelgrass beds for protection.
- The young fish are green in color in order to camouflage themselves in the weeds.
- During the late fall, they move off shore and winter in a state of reduced activity.
Physical Characteristics
- brown, dark olive, with white blotches.
- Average size: 1 to 3 lb (0.5 to 1.5 kg)
- Maximum size: 3 ft (1 m), 25 lb (11 kg)
- plump elongated body
See also
References
- McClane, A.J. (1978). McClane's Field Guide to Saltwater Fishes of North America. A.J. McClane. ISBN 0-8050-0733-4