Porgy - Definition and Overview

The Scup or porgy, Stenotomus chrysops, is a fish which occurs primarily in the Atlantic from Massachusetts to South Carolina.

Scup grow as large as 18 inches (450 mm) and weigh 3 to 4 lb (2 kg), but they average 1/2 - 1 lb (0.5 kg).

In the Middle Atlantic Bight, scup spawn along the inner continental shelf. Their larvae end up in inshore waters, along the coast and in estuarine areas. At 2-3 years of age, they mature. Scup winter along the mid and outer continental shelf. When the temperature warms in the spring they migrate inshore.

They are fished for by commercial and recreational fishermen. They are a fine to fish to eat and are sometimes called panfish.

External links

• Scup, Stenotomus Chrysops, Life History and Habitat Characteristics (http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/publications/tm/tm149/tm149.pdf)