Species profile
Scup
Stenotomus chrysops
Identify Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 5 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) is an IUCN Near Threatened bony-fish species regulated in 7 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 30 (North Carolina); the most generous is 40 (Federal Waters (NOAA)).
Across 5 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 10.0 in.
Confirmed by 714 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Also called porgy, scup are among the most popular recreational fish on the Northeast coast.
- Adults typically measure 6–18 inches and can weigh up to 4 pounds.
- They migrate offshore each fall to spend winter in deeper, warmer Atlantic waters.
- Scup feed on worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
- They can live up to 20 years.
Where Scup are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Scup
Background
The scup, Stenotomus chrysops, is a fish which occurs primarily in the Atlantic from Massachusetts to South Carolina. Along with many other fish of the family Sparidae, it is also commonly known as porgy.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Scup article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Scup?
Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) is an IUCN Near Threatened bony-fish species regulated in 7 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Scup?
Scup is Stenotomus chrysops.
Is Scup regulated for fishing?
Yes — Scup has fishing regulations in 5 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Scup?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Scup along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.