Physical description:

The knobbed porgy has a conspicuously steep forehead and bony protrusions just in front of the eyes. The body is iridescent silvery blue, and the head is purplish with numerous yellow-bronze spots and blue streaks under the eyes.

Biological description:

The species inhabits hard-bottom areas (coral reefs, rock outcroppings and wrecks) in waters 90 to 300 feet deep from North Carolina to the Florida Keys and throughout much of the Gulf of Mexico. Spawning occurs at sea in May and June. Sexual maturity is reached at age 4 or 5, and the females lay thousands of pelagic eggs. The species is long-lived and slow growing, reaching a maximum size of about 20 inches and having a life span of about 17 years. Knobbed porgy have large incisors and strong molars which enable them to crush and consume hard-bodied animals, such as clams, snails, crabs, urchins, starfish and barnacles. They are fast enough to catch small fish, but fishes are rarely a part of their diet.

South Atlantic Federal Regulations

(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)

Commercial:

Limited access permit required.

Recreational:

• Recreational retention limits apply.