Archosargus probatocephalus

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Archosargus probatocephalus
Sheepshead.jpg
FMIB 47083 Sheep's-head, Sargus ovis, of North America.jpeg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Spariformes
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Archosargus
Species:
A. probatocephalus
Binomial name
Archosargus probatocephalus
(Walbaum, 1792)
Synonyms [2]
  • Sparus probatocephalus Walbaum, 1792
  • Sparus ovicephalus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
  • Perca leonina Gronow, 1854
  • Archosargus oviceps Ginsburg, 1952
  • Sparus ovis Mitchill, 1815
  • Sparus ovicephalus var. poki Bloch & Schneider, 1801
  • Sparus ovicephalus var. porgee Bloch & Schneider, 1801
  • Sparus porgee Walbaum, (ex Schöpf) 1792
  • Sparus porgy Lacépède, 1802

Archosargus probatocephalus, the sheepshead, sheepshead seabream or convict fish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This species is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. The sheepshead is an important species to recreational and commercial fisheries.

Contents

Taxonomy

Archosargus probatocephalus was first formally described as Sparus probatocephalus by the German physician, naturalist and taxonomist Johann Julius Walbaum with no type locality given, although it is thought to be New York. [2] The Southern sheepshead ( A. aries ) is regarded as a separate valid species by some authorities [3] but is not recognised as such by FishBase. [4] The genus Archosargus is placed in the family Sparidae within the order Spariformes by the 5th edition of Fishes of the World . [5] Some authorities classify this genus in the subfamily Sparinae, [3] but the 5th edition of Fishes of the World does not recognise subfamilies within the Sparidae. [5]

Etymology

Archosargus probatocephalus has a specific name which compounds probaton, meaning "sheep", with cephalus, which means "head", reflecting its common name, sheepshead, which it was most likely given because of some sheep-like features, such as having large teeth protruding from an open mouth. [6]

Description

Archosargus probatocephalus has an oval shaped, deep, laterally compressed body with a small blunt head, the dorsal and ventral profiles of the head being convex. It has moderately sized eyes, a small horizontal mouth and the preorbital bone overlaps the rear of the maxilla. The teeth at the front of the jaw are broad and flattened, the upper jaw has three rows of molar-like teeth at the sides. The margin of the preoperculum is smooth, with no serrations or spines. The dorsal fin is long and not high and is supported by 12 spines, the front spine points towards the front and may be embedded, and 11 soft rays. The anal fin contains three spines, the second spine being very robust, and 9 or 10 soft rays. The pectoral fin is long, clearly greater in length than the pelvic fins, extending to the level of the middle spine of the anal fin. The caudal fin is forked. [7] The adults are silvery to greenish-yellow with olive on the upper body. Along the flanks there are five or six dark vertical bars, these fade with age. The caudal and pectoral fins are greenish in colour while the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are dark. [8] The sheepshead reaches a maximum published total length of 91 cm (36 in), although 35 cm (14 in) is more typical. [9]

Distribution and habitat

Archosargus probatocephalus is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean where it ranges from Nova Scotia to Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. [1] It mainly occurs in coastal waters in the vicinity of rock pilings, jetties, mangrove roots, and piers, also in tidal creeks. It is euryhaline and shows a preference for brackish waters. It looks for warmer spots around springs and discharges of rivers and will occasionally enter freshwater in the winter. [8]

Biology

Archosargus probatocephalus is an omnivore, the larger juveniles and adults are predators of blue crab ( Callinectes sapidus ), oysters, clams, crustaceans, and small fish with the young Atlantic croakers (Micropogonias undulatus) The large flattened teeth are used to crush prey protected by shells or armor as well as to scrape barnacles off rocks and pilings. Juveniles feed on zooplankton, polychaetes, and chironomid larvae. [8]

Populations of this fish in the Atlantic waters off the southern United States spawn mainly in the early spring, however, pelagic larvae have been observed in late winter and Spring in the Gulf of Mexico. Adults move to farther offshore to spawn, moving back to coastal waters and estuaries. The juveniles are most numerous in [sea grass] beds and over mud substrates, once they grow to a length of around 50 mm (2.0 in), they leave the sea grass beds and aggregate with the adults. [8]

Fishing

Archosargus probatocephalus feeds on bivalves and crustaceans, [10] so successful baits include shrimp, sand fleas (mole crabs), clams, fiddler crabs, and mussels. [11] Sheepshead have a knack for stealing bait, so a small hook is necessary. [11] Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: fishermen look for rocky bottoms or places with obstructions, jetties, and the pilings of bridges and piers. [11] The average weight of a sheepshead is 1.4 to 1.8 kg (3 to 4 lb), but some individuals reach the range of 4.5 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 lb). [11] This species was subjected to overfishing in the past, and is again becoming more important to commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico as more desirable species, like red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), decrease through overfishing. [12]

Parasites

As with other fish, the sheepshead has a variety of parasites. One of them is the monogenean Microcotyle archosargi , which is parasitic on its gills. [13] [14]

Sheepshead Bay

Archosargus probatocephalus has Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn named after its common name, this fish was found in the waters of the Bay. [15] [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sparidae</span> Family of fishes

Sparidae is a family of ray-finned fishes belonging to the order Spariformes, the seabreams and porgies, although they were traditionally classified in the order Perciformes. They are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters around the world and are demersal carnivores.

<i>Calamus</i> (fish) Genus of fishes

Calamus is a genus of marine ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. Most of the species in this genus are found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, with 2 species occurring in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common dentex</span> Species of fish

The common dentex is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. This species is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a highly valued food fish and is an important target species for fisheries and the population has shown large declines leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to classify its conservation status as Vulnerable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sheepshead porgy</span> Species of fish

The sheepshead porgy, also known as the littlemouth porgy or speckled porgy, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This species is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean.

<i>Lagodon</i> Species of fish

Lagodon is a monospecific genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. The only species in the genus is Lagodon rhomboides, the pinfish, red porgy, bream, pin perch, sand perch, butterfish or sailor's choice. This fish is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Atlantic seabream</span> Species of fish

Western Atlantic seabream is an ocean-going species of fish in the family, Sparidae. It was first described in 1758 by the "father of modern taxonomy," Carl Linnaeus, in the 10th edition of his book, Systema Naturae. Within their native range, Western Atlantic seabream are also known as the seabream, brim, tropical sheepshead, chopa amarilla, or salema. Although they are eaten, and have been described as pan fish, Western Atlantic seabream have not gained the popularity as a gamefish that their relative, the sheepshead has.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pluma porgy</span> Species of fish

The pluma porgy, also known as the West Indian porgy, pluma or pimento grunt, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This species is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean.

<i>Diplodus sargus</i> Species of fish

Diplodus sargus, the sargo, common white seabream, or white seabream is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. This fish is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a target species for commercial fisheries and is grown in aquaculture. D. sargussensu lato was formerly thought to be a widespread species in the eastern Atlantic and western Indian Oceans but the taxa outside of D, sargussensu stricto are now recognised as valid species and are part of the D. sargus species complex.

<i>Chrysoblephus gibbiceps</i> Species of seabream endemic to South Africa

Chrysoblephus gibbiceps, the red stumpnose, red stumpnose seabream or Miss Lucy, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This fish is endemic to the southwestern Indian Ocean off the coast of South Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies this species as Endangered.

<i>Archosargus</i> Genus of fishes

Archosargus is a genus of marine ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Sparidae, the sea breams and porgies. These fishes occur in the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackspot seabream</span> Species of fish

The blackspot seabream, also known as the red seabream and as the besugo, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. This is a widespread species in the Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Mauritania, including Macaronesia and the western Mediterranean. It is an important species to fisheries, although overfishing has led to this species being classified as Near Threatened.

<i>Acanthopagrus berda</i> Species of fish

Acanthopagrus berda, the goldsilk seabream, sly bream, picnic seabream, black sea bream, black porgy, picky bream, silver bream or river bream, is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the sea breams and porgies. This species is found in the Indian Ocean.

<i>Cheimerius</i> Genus of fishes

Cheimerius is a monospecific genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. The only species in the genus is Cheimerius nufar, the santer seabream, santer or soldier, of the Indian Ocean.

<i>Microcotyle archosargi</i> Species of worm

Microcotyle archosargi is a species of monogenean, parasitic on the gills of a marine fish. It belongs to the family Microcotylidae. It was first described by MacCallum in 1913 based on ten specimens. Hargis (1956) pointed out that the description and figures given by MacCallum were poor in details.

<i>Chrysoblephus anglicus</i> Species of seabream endemic to South Africa

Chrysoblephus anglicus, the Englishman seabream, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This fish is endemic to Southern Africa.

<i>Chrysoblephus cristiceps</i> Species of fish

Chrysoblephus cristiceps, the daggerhead seabream or dageraad, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This fish is endemic to the southwestern Indian Ocean and southeastern Atlantic Ocean off South Africa. This species is assessed as being Critically Endangered bt the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

<i>Archosargus pourtalesii</i> Species of fish

Archosargus pourtalesii, the blackspot porgy or Galápagos seabream, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, the seabreams and porgies. This fish is endemic to the Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink dentex</span> Species of fish

The pink dentex is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, a family that includes the seabreams and porgies. This species is found in the temperate and tropical waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

<i>Evynnis cardinalis</i> Species of fish

Evynnis cardinalis, the threadfin porgy or cardinal seabream, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. This fish is found in the Western Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Eastern Asia. It is an important food fish but is classified by the IUCN as Endangered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dane seabream</span> Species of fishes

The Dane seabream, also known as the Dane, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. The Dane seabream is the only species in the monospecific genus Porcostoma. This species is endemic to the southwestern Indian Ocean off the coast of Southern Africa.

References

  1. 1 2 Carpenter, K.E.; MacDonald, T.; Russell, B. & Vega-Cendejas, M. (2014). "Archosargus probatocephalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2014: e.T170223A1296293. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T170223A1296293.en . Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  2. 1 2 Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Species in the genus Archosargus". Catalog of Fishes . California Academy of Sciences . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  3. 1 2 Parenti, P. (2019). "An annotated checklist of the fishes of the family Sparidae". FishTaxa. 4 (2): 47–98.
  4. ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Species in genus Archosargus". FishBase . October 2023 version.
  5. 1 2 Nelson, J.S.; Grande, T.C.; Wilson, M.V.H. (2016). Fishes of the World (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 502–506. doi:10.1002/9781119174844. ISBN   978-1-118-34233-6. LCCN   2015037522. OCLC   951899884. OL   25909650M.
  6. ↑ "Order SPARIFORMES: Families LETHRINIDAE, NEMIPTERIDAE and SPARIDAE". The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database. Christopher Scharpf. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  7. ↑ "Species: Archosargus probatocephalus, Sheepshead, Sheepshead Bream". Shorefishes of the Greater Caribbean online information. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Cathleen Bester and Robert H. Robins. "Archosargus probatocephalus". Discover Fishes. Florida Museum. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  9. ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Archosargus probatocephalus". FishBase . October 2023 version.
  10. ↑ "Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)". Tpwd.state.tx.us. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Gillis, Chad (6 March 2008). "Fishing 101: Sheepshead Porgy". naplesnews.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2008.
  12. ↑ Samantha Setta (19 August 2021). "Sheepshead, a lesson from the past". 0cean Bites. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  13. ↑ Nicolas Bailly (2008). "Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  14. ↑ MacCallum, G.A. (1913). "Further notes on the genus Microcotyle". Zoologische Jahrbücher. Abteilung für Systematik, Geographie und Biologie der Tiere. 35: 389–402.
  15. ↑ Davis, Nicole (12 July 2013). "The Naming of Sheepshead Bay". Brooklyn Based.
  16. ↑ Stiles, H.R.; Brockett, L.P.; Proctor, L.B. (1884). The Civil, Political, Professional and Ecclesiastical History, and Commercial and Industrial Record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y. from 1683 to 1884. New York: county and regional histories and atlases. Munsell. p.  172 . Retrieved 26 July 2019.
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