How to Identify Hogchoker

To identify Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal side is typically dark brown to grayish-brown, often mottled with irregular darker spots and blotches, providing excellent camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms. The ventral side is white or cream-colored. Some individuals may exhibit faint vertical banding.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Right-eyed flatfish (both eyes on the right side of the head), Small, oval, and highly compressed body, Fringed dorsal and anal fins that are continuous with the caudal fin, Absence of pectoral fins in adults, Rough, ctenoid scales on the eyed side, smooth on the blind side, Small, subterminal mouth

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous fin extending from the head to the caudal fin, with 50-57 rays.

Tail fin

Rounded, confluent with the dorsal and anal fins, giving a continuous fringe appearance.

Pectoral fin

Absent in adults; present as small vestiges in larvae.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also long and continuous, with 36-42 rays, joining the caudal fin. Pelvic fins are small and thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye Placement

   Both eyes are located on the right side of the head. This is a key differentiator from left-eyed flatfishes.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Size

   Small, oval, and very flat body, rarely exceeding 15 cm (6 inches) in length.

3. 3

   Fin Structure

   Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are continuous, forming a fringe around the body. Pectoral fins are absent in adults.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Mottled brown to gray on the eyed side for camouflage, white on the blind side.

5. 5

   Mouth

   Small, subterminal mouth, adapted for feeding on small benthic invertebrates.

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