Fish

The summer flounder and inshore lizardfish are two species that use camouflage to hide from predators.

NPS Photo

There is a very unique world hiding underneath the water's surface. Fish have to be tough in order to live in the waters of Assateague Island, as they experience changes in temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen concentrations throughout the year. Each species has a specific adaptation that allows them to survive in this harsh environment.

To get a glimpse at some of the fish on Assateague, consider trying out surf fishing or participating in one of our ranger guided programs. The Maryland District's Bay Discovery program and the Virginia District's Marine Explorers program both offer a chance to use scientific collection equipment to check out some of the marine life surrounding the island.

Surf Fishes

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Black Drum
Pogonias cromis

Appearance: gray or black color, high arched back, chin barbels
Size: up to 5.5 feet long and 145 lbs
Habitat: inshore waters

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix

Appearance: blue-green colored on the back and silvery on the sides and belly, prominent jaw with sharp teeth
Size: up to 3.25 feet long and 31 lbs
Habitat: Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, inshore waters and coastal bays

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Northern Kingfish
Menticirrhus saxatilis

Appearance: dark and irregular stripes along the body with first two bars forming a distinct V-shape, long spine on the first dorsal fin, chin barbel
Size: up to 1.5 feet long and 1.5 lbs
Habitat: shallow coastal waters, possibly migrate to deeper water for the winter

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus

Appearance: iridescent silver-gray with dark copper shine on back and upper sides, at least one black spot near tail, continuous but deeply notched dorsal fin
Size: up to 5 feet long and 98 lbs
Habitat: inshore and offshore waters, juveniles can be found in estuaries and inlets

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis

Appearance: silver colored with 7-8 dark stripes along side of the body, forked caudal fin
Size: up to 5 feet long and 77 lbs
Habitat: coastal waters, bays, may enter rivers to spawn in spring

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Summer Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus

Appearance: left-eyed flatfish, top side has 10-14 dark spots scattered about, white belly
Size: up to 2 feet long and 6 lbs
Habitat: buried in sediment on bottom

 

Sharks and Rays

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Sand Tiger Shark
Carcharias taurus

Appearance: large, bulky body with flattened snout, light brown or greenish-gray upper side and white underside, dagger-like teeth stick out from mouth
Size: up to 10 feet long and 350 lbs
Habitat: shorelines and inshore waters

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Smooth Dogfish Shark
Mustelus canis

Appearance: small and slender body, elongated cat-like eyes, asymmetrical caudal fin, flat teeth
Size: up to 5 feet long and 27 lbs
Habitat: continental shelves, bays, and inshore waters

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Sandbar Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus

Appearance: brown-gray upperside and white underside, large and triangular shaped dorsal fin
Size: up to 6 feet long and 150 lbs
Habitat: near bottom in shallow coastal waters

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Southern Stingray
Hypanus americanus

Appearance: diamond-shaped ray, olive-green to green-gray on top and white underside, sharp spine on tail
Size: up to 6.5 feet wide and 214 lbs
Habitat: shallow coastal and estuarine waters with sand or silt bottoms

 

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Cownose Ray
Rhinoptera bonasus

Appearance: triangular body, dark brown or golden brown top and white underside, long spine on tail
Size: up to 3 feet wide
Habitat: shallow, brackish water