Common names
Spot, Norfolk spot, Virginia spot
Spot croaker
Leiostomus xanthurus
- Saltwater
- Least concern
Max length14.25 in
Common length9.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight1 lb 0 oz
Max Depth197 ft
Max age4 years
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
The spot is relatively deep-bodied and compressed, featuring a humped back. The mouth, almost horizontal, is equipped with bands of small teeth. Notably, there is no barbel on the chin, but 5 pores exist there, accompanied by more pores on the snout, 5 on the sides, and 5 at the front. The caudal fin is generally truncated, occasionally slightly notched. With large ctenoid scales, except beneath the eye and on the lower head where they are cycloid, this species presents a distinctive scale pattern. A scale row, or two, runs along the base of the soft-rayed part of the dorsal fin. The body colouration transitions from bluish-grey on the upper body to yellow or golden on the lower body. In young fishes, a series of dark bars run diagonally from the back to the middle of the flanks, fading as the fish ages. Adding a unique touch, a large black spot marks the body above the upper margin of the operculum.
Habitat
Found usually over sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters to about 60 m depth. Occurs in nurseries and feeding grounds in river estuaries during summer and fall. Juveniles often stay in the estuarine waters throughout the year.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: Massachusetts to northern Mexico; absent in southern Florida.
Behaviour
They feed mainly on worms, small crustaceans and organic detritus. This includes polychaetes, worms, small fish, small plankton, and molluscs. The spot spawns in the fall to early winter time. It moves from its typical bay and estuary habitat to an offshore area of deeper water, where up to 1.7 million eggs may be laid.
Edibility
Despite this high oil content, the fish taste is quite mild. The fillets absorb seasoning well and have a delicate salty/seafood base flavour.
Lure suggestion
An effective approach to catching spot involves employing a double-drop bottom rig. This rig is crafted with wire, featuring two droppers to attach snelled hooks and a snap at the bottom for a sinker. Anglers suggest utilizing long shank number-four or number-six hooks, with or without spinners, along with lightweight sinkers. This rig setup can be used with a conventional rod and reel combo, a spinning combo, or a handline. Light tackle is preferred and most effective paired with live bait, artificial jigs or spoons. Good bait: bloodworms, clams, squid, peeler crab, shrimp & bait strips.
Similar species
Other similar species
American silver perch