Introduction
The Squeteague, also known as Cynoscion regalis, is a marine fish from the Sciaenidae family. Known for their migratory nature and importance to the recreational fishing industry, Squeteague, or more commonly known as ‘Weakfish’, are an interesting species with a unique lifestyle and behavior.
Conservation Status
The Squeteague is currently categorized as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due in big part to the vast range of their distribution, and ongoing conservation efforts, such as managing fishing quotas and limiting catch size.
Statistics
| Attribute | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 20 inches | 12-27 inches |
| Weight | 3 Lb | 1-6 Lb |
| Life Span | 9 years | N/A |
Distribution
The range of the Squeteague covers the Atlantic coast of North America, from Florida up to Massachusetts. They exhibit a considerable migratory pattern, moving from inshore breeding grounds in summer to deeper offshore waters in winter.
Habitats
Squeteague are typically found in brackish and salt waters, at depths that can vary from shallow coastal areas to deeper offshore surroundings. They are most commonly observed in water with a temperature range of 11-24°C.
When and Where to See
The best time to find Squeteague is during their spawning season, which runs from April to October. The fish can be found in shallow waters, usually in the early morning and late afternoon during this period.
Best Fishing Locations
- Delaware Bay, Delaware
- Raritan Bay, New Jersey
- Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
- Long Island Sound, New York
- Peconic Bay, New York
- Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
- Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts
- Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
- Miami River, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
How to Catch
Squeteague are known to respond well to several types of live bait and artificial lures, including shrimp, squid, and mullet. For fishing techniques, bottom fishing and trolling seem to be the most effective methods.
Identification Guide
Squeteague are generally silvery gray in color, with a dark back and a lighter belly. They have one or more prominent canine teeth at the front of the upper jaw. The fins are dusky or spotted.
Culinary Details
Squeteague’s white meat is mild and slightly sweet, yet low in fat. Commonly found at seafood restaurants and markets, Squeteague can be pan-seared, grilled, or used in soups and stews.
Additional Information
Squeteague are predatory fish and have a varied diet, mainly feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates. Their primary natural predators are larger fish species and seabirds. Overfishing and habitat destruction are human-induced threats that affect their population.
References and Further Reading
For more in-depth information regarding Squeteague, refer [here](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cynoscion_regalis/) about this species.
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