NOTES:  Similar in shape and habit to the freshwater sunfishes (i.e. Bluegill) it is a common catch for inshore anglers and a popular baitfish, as well as the food source for many inshore predators.  It has small flat teeth like other members of the Porgy family (Sparidae) and has sharp spines on the dorsal, ventral, and pectoral fins, earning it the name 'spottail pinfish'.  Like its more common cousin the pinfish, the It is easily persued using a small hook (#10-#6) with squid or shrimp and either a bobber or spit-shot around docks, bridges, rocks, and grass beads.  It will inhabit shallower water in the spring, summer, and fall, but will retreat to deeper water in the winter. It has a very small mouth for its size, and behaves like and associates with sheephead in the spring, fall, and winter.  It often prefers hard structure such as rocks and reefs, and uses its extra strong teeth to pick barnicles and mollusks from these rocks. This fish is mostly firm white meat, though bony, and tastes very good.