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Sea Robin

Prionotus spp.

A brown and gold sea robin swims past the camera

Max Size: 45 cm (1.5 ft.)

Habitat: Sandy-bottomed, shallow waters from New England to North Carolina

Diet: Crabs, worms, and fishes

Species:

Northern Sea Robin (Prionotus carolinus)

Striped Sea Robin (Prionotus evolans)

Fun Facts:

  • Sea Robins get their name from their fan-shaped pectoral fins which open and close rapidly when they swim, giving them a wing-like appearance
  • Sea Robins use free rays of their pectoral fins that appear and function like digits to feel for prey. This gives them the illusion of crawling across the bottom as they swim
  • Sea Robins can produce sounds with their swim bladders, similar to the oyster toadfish

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