Leiostomus xanthrus
Spotted Croaker, Mizzouki Croaker
The Spot is grayish-silver overall, with golden reflections along the upper sides, and 12 to 15 oblique, dark lines extending from the dorsal fins to below the lateral line. A characteristic, prominent, black spot, about the same size as the eye, is located behind the gill cover. The dorsal and caudal fins are dusky, whereas the other fins are generally pale yellow.
Spots will eat small crustaceans, worms and small fish.
Spots are common on the Atlantic Coast, except south of Palm Beach County. Also found in lesser numbers along most of the Gulf Coast.
The Spot is very common in the surf, also bays and inlets.
Spots average 6 to 8 inches and rarely reach one pound.
1 pound, 2 ounces (IGFA)