Shape/Morphology
-long and slender; torpedo shaped
-2 short-based dorsal fins seperated by some distance
-strong jaws
-Largest
-longer in past (1724 = 18 to 20 feet; 1910 = 7 to 8 feet)
-longest one ever hooked = 5.5 feet; 103.25 lbs
-weight
-Avg wt. = < 50 lbs
-grow more in girth once they reach a certain length
-color = blend well w/environment (differs w/age)
-juvenile = brown to olive green
= sand, turtle grass, shallow
-adults = dull to bright silver w/white belly
= a few black blotches
-can selectivly lighten or darken its lateral blotches
-form of communication
-speed = 27 mph
Feeding Behavior
-along w/ color change is feeding habits.
-1 foot in length = sandy and weedy shallows
- > 1 foot = offshore and on the reefs
-this affects ciguatera fish poisoning
-small fish good to eat (<30 inches)
-larger fish may have CFP(due to carnivorous diet)
Life History
-spawning
Biogeography
Attacks on humans
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