Skilletfish

Gobiesox strumosus

 

http://www.westriveroyster.org/pics/critters/Skilletfish.jpg

 

• Distinguishing characteristics:  The skilletfish has a frying pan shaped body.  It has a large suction disk underneath the body that is formed by adapted pelvic fins.  They range from light gray to dark brown.

 

In the Wild

• Habitat:  Skilletfish are usually found on oyster beds.  During the warmer months, they live in shallow, near-shore waters and move to deeper waters in the winter.
• Diet:  Skilletfish feed on bristle worms and small crustaceans.
• Predators:  The skilletfish is adept at hiding from predators in oyster reefs, but can be preyed on by larger species and reefs that are exposed at low tide leave the fish vulnerable to birds.
• Size:  Skilletfish grow up to 3 inches long.
• Breeding:  Skilletfish spawn from April-August.  The female deposits eggs into an empty oyster shell and then the male guards the eggs.
• Life Span:  How long do they live on average?

  In the Aquatics Lab

• Diet:
• Size:
• Quantity:  There are 0 skilletfish at Booker T Washington.

  Other information

• Virginia Regulations:  There are no regulations concerning skilletfish.
• Commercial Uses:  There is not a market for skilletfish.