Cape Scaldfish
Arnoglossus capensis
Hogchoker
Trinectes maculatus
About
The hogchoker is a small flatfish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, growing to about 20 cm, though most are closer to 11 cm. Despite its odd name and unglamorous looks, it is a common sight on soft, muddy bottoms near shore.
Also known as: freshwater flounder, freshwater sole
- Length
- 11 cm · max 20 cm
- Depth
- 50–60 m
How to tell it apart
Several small soles share this brown, spotted look. The fringed edge on the fins and tail, rather than a plain smooth border, is the clearest visual clue for this species.
Appearance
Like other flatfish, it lies on one side with both eyes on its upper, eyed side, which is brown to dark brown and broken up by spots and thin stripes, some lighter and some darker than the body. The lower, blind side is pale. Its fins and tail have a fringed, feathery edge.
Did you know?
The hogchoker gets its name from East Coast fishermen who once fed the unwanted fish to their pigs. Once in the hog's mouth, its flat body curls into a suction cup and sticks fast to the roof of the mouth.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
