Fauna
Fish · GBIF taxon 2392447

Scup

Stenotomus chrysops

Also known as Northern Porgy, Maiden, Paugy

Scup gather in large schools over sandy flats, rocky reefs, and pier pilings along the Atlantic coast, migrating inshore each spring to spawn before returning to deeper shelf waters in winter. Their deep, laterally compressed bodies and strong incisor-like teeth are specialized for picking and crushing bottom-dwelling invertebrates. These active foragers play a central role in coastal food webs as both relentless grazers of the seabed and vital prey for larger predatory fish.

MarineSchoolingBottom Dweller
Scup reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Amphipods
  • Polychaete Worms
  • Small Crabs
Predators
  • Bluefish
  • Striped Bass
  • Sandbar Shark
ThreatsCommercial and recreational fishing pressure, habitat degradation, and climate-driven warming waters
HabitatsCoastal bays, estuaries, sandy bottoms, and continental shelf waters
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilySparidae
  3. GenusStenotomus
  4. SpeciesStenotomus chrysops
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance; take care around sharp dorsal spines if handled.
Responsible observation
  • Snorkeling Observation: Move slowly near jetty boulders or pier pilings during summer to watch feeding schools.
  • Careful Handling: Fold down the stiff, pointed dorsal fin toward the tail before holding an unhooked fish.
Related species
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