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Description:
Members of the drum family, spotted seatrout are highly prized gamefishes that grow to 28 inches in length, and may weigh 15 pounds or more.  They are elongate and somewhat compressed, with torpedo-shaped profiles.  The lateral line runs down the sides to the tip of the caudal fin.  Body color is medium to dark gray or blue-gray dorsally, fading to whitish along the sides and ventral surface.  Juveniles have a black stripe running horizontally along the sides.  Many dark spots cover the back and flanks and extend into the dorsal and caudal fins.  There are 2 dorsal fins, dusky in color, with the other fins yellowish. The posterior margin of the caudal fin is straight.  The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, which bears 2 fang-like teeth.  Unlike in most other drums, no chin barbels are present. 

Habitat:
Spotted seatrout are estuarine-dependent and  inhabit shallow estuaries where sand bottoms are plentiful.  Many never migrate more than 10 miles from their nursery areas.  Juveniles utilize salt marshes, tidal flats, seagrasses, and mangrove habitats.  Adults prefer soft-bottom areas.  During colder periods, seatrout may move into warmer offshore waters.

Similar Species:
The silver seatrout, Cynoscion nothus, is similar in body form, but tends to be smaller and has no distinct markings.  It is thus easily distinguished from the spotted seatrout.

Range:
Spotted seatrout range from Cape Cod, Massachusetts south along the Atlantic coast through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula.  It does not naturally occur in the Caribbean or West Indies. 

 
Drawing of the spotted seatrout showing identifying features.  Illustration by Diana Rome Peebles.  Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries.
 
Spotted seatrout swimming in a seagrass meadow.  Photo by M. Knepper, courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries.
 

 
As members of the drum family, spotted seatrout have the ability to produce croaking or drumming sounds by contracting specialized muscles, called the sonic muscles, against the swim bladder.  This behavior is best observed on spawning grounds where males gather in large groups before sunset and drum to attract females. Spawning occurs in the evening, with females producing as may as 500,000 - 600,000 eggs.