Alien Sighting: Meet the Sheepshead

Unlike many fish that look different as juveniles than their adult coloring and form, the Juvenile sheepshead (25-30mm) exhibits adult patterning.

As mentioned in previous "alien sighting" posts, our grow-out bags hold between 250 and 2,000 oysters, depending on their size.

These bags not only shield oysters from predators but also act as sanctuaries for a variety of small and/or juvenile marine species, allowing them to hide from predators.

In this environment, they can feed and grow relatively safe from larger predators. However, over time, this sanctuary turns into a trap from which these juvenile creatures cannot escape until we open the bag or cage to release them.

Meet the Sheepshead. Interestingly, the Sheepshead is also known as a "convict fish" because its striped appearance resembles a prison uniform. We always find it amusing when we can orchestrate a jailbreak for these adorable little convicts.

Some of the other species we find are:

• Oyster Toadfish, Spotfin Butterfly Fish & Grunts,

• Blennies, Gobies & Skilletfish,

• Blue Crabs & Mud Crabs,

• and other shellfish like scallops and razor clams!

Adult sheepshead have human looking incisors, but that is where this odd likeness ends. Sheepshead feature multiple rows of molars that allow it to crush shellfish and crustaceans, its favorite food. Photo Credit: Jennette's Pier via Facebook

Young sheepshead are primarily found in seagrass flats and over mud bottoms, where they feed on copepods and algae. Once they reach 50mm in length, the juveniles move away from the grass flats and join the adults around jetties, piers, and pilings.

As adults, Sheepshead are well-known for snatching bait off anglers' hooks. However, for those who specifically aim to catch this species, they are rewarded with a formidable opponent that provides a strong challenge and, if desired, a delicious fish to enjoy!