Fauna
Species

Pinfish

Lagodon rhomboides

Also known as Pin Perch, Sailor's Choice, Sand Perch, Chopa Spina

Pinfish swarm in high numbers throughout shallow estuaries and seagrass beds, darting among shoots to nibble epiphytic algae and tiny invertebrates. Equipped with sharp incisors and stout dorsal spines that give them their name, these compact porgies play an indispensable dual role as both voracious grazers and a staple forage base for coastal ecosystems. Adults migrate offshore to spawn in deeper shelf waters during late autumn and winter, after which massive cohorts of larvae drift back into fertile nursery bays.

MarineCoastalSchooling
Pinfish reference1 / 6
(c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAmphipods, Shrimp, Marine Algae
Predators
  • Red Drum
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Bottlenose Dolphin
ThreatsLoss of seagrass habitat, estuarine water pollution, and coastal development
HabitatsSeagrass meadows, salt marshes, mangrove fringes, tidal creeks, and nearshore reefs
Life span4–7 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilySparidae
  3. GenusLagodon
  4. SpeciesLagodon rhomboides
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; dorsal spines can prick bare skin if handled.
Responsible observation
  • Dock Watching: Look around pilings and docks in sunny weather to spot glittering schools grazing on barnacles.
  • Careful Handling: Anglers should smooth dorsal spines backward toward the tail to avoid painful pricks.
  • Polarized Glasses: Wear polarized sunglasses when wading to easily see their yellow-striped flanks over sandy grass flats.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…