Species Profiles

Learn how to identify fish frequently seen in North Carolina's saltwater environments. Fish are categorized by the location where they are most commonly encountered. Occasionally, some of the fish in the offshore group might swim closer to shore and be found where you would expect inshore/coastal fish. Likewise, some of the inshore/coastal fish are as much at home offshore as inshore. Some species that are closely related or commonly mistaken for each other are grouped onto one page (such as flounder or kingfish).  Click here to view the list of fish alphabetically by common name.

Fish ID Questions? Send a photo, a description, and the location caught to NCFishIDHelp@ncdenr.gov.