Species profile
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Identify Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 8 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 10 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 5 (Texas); the most generous is 15 (Georgia).
Across 6 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 13.5 in (≈ 1 ft 2 in).
Confirmed by 2,683 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, Texas, and North Carolina the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- It has human-like front incisors and blunt molars for crushing shellfish and crustaceans.
- Adults can grow to 35 inches and weigh over 21 pounds.
- Its bold black and white stripes earned it the nickname convict fish.
- It eats barnacles, oysters, mussels, and fiddler crabs by crushing their hard shells.
- Notorious for stealing bait, it requires precise timing and light tackle to hook successfully.
Where Sheepshead are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Sheepshead
Background
Archosargus probatocephalus, the sheepshead, is a marine fish that grows to 76 cm (30 in), but commonly reaches 30 to 50 cm (10 to 20 in). It is deep and compressed in body shape, with five or six dark bars on the side of the body over a gray background. It has sharp dorsal spines. Its diet consists of oysters, clams, and other bivalves, and barnacles, fiddler crabs, and other crustaceans. It has…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Sheepshead article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Sheepshead?
Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 10 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Sheepshead?
Sheepshead is Archosargus probatocephalus.
Is Sheepshead regulated for fishing?
Yes — Sheepshead has fishing regulations in 8 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 Sheepshead?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Sheepshead 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.