Hogchoker

Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus) is a species of flatfish in the family Achiridae. It is commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the eastern coast of the United States from Massachusetts to Florida, and in the Gulf of Mexico.

Description

The hogchoker is a small, right-eyed flatfish that typically grows to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length. It has a rounded body with a mottled brown and gray coloration, which provides excellent camouflage against the sandy or muddy bottoms of its habitat. The dorsal and anal fins are long and continuous, running along the length of the body.

Habitat

Hogchokers inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. They are often found in brackish water environments where freshwater mixes with seawater. The species prefers sandy or muddy substrates where it can easily blend in to avoid predators.

Diet

The diet of the hogchoker consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. They use their flattened bodies to lie in wait on the ocean floor, ambushing prey that comes within reach.

Reproduction

Hogchokers spawn in the spring and summer months. Females release eggs into the water column, which are then fertilized by males. The eggs are buoyant and float until they hatch into larvae. The larvae undergo a transformation, during which one eye migrates to the other side of the head, resulting in the characteristic flatfish appearance.

Economic Importance

While hogchokers are not a major target for commercial fisheries, they are sometimes caught as bycatch. They are not typically consumed by humans due to their small size and bony structure. However, they play an important role in the ecosystem as both predator and prey.

Conservation Status

The hogchoker is currently not listed as a threatened or endangered species. Its populations are considered stable, and it is not subject to significant fishing pressure.

References in Culture

The name "hogchoker" is believed to have originated from the practice of using these fish as feed for hogs, which would sometimes choke on the small, bony fish.

See Also

• Flatfish
• Achiridae
• Estuary
• Brackish water

External Links

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