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We are constantly updating our website. Check back soon to explore our expanded species pages!
Did you capture the perfect photo of a fish in Barnegat Bay? We want to see it! Help us expand our fish photo gallery by emailing your photos to info@nrefnj.org.
Fish Species of Barnegat Bay
Striped burrfish (Chilomycterus shoepfi)
Body yellowish-brown above, with dark stripes and several dark patches; white to yellowish below. Most individuals have large black patches above and behind pectoral fins and at dorsal fin.
Can be found in seagrass beds in bays and coastal lagoons.
Northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus)
Dark olive-gray above, with many tiny black spots. Row of 6-7 grayish vertical bars on side. Yellowish to white below.
Found in bays, estuaries, and protected coastal waters.
Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina)
Medium sized, silver fish. Top and bottom jaw elongate; tiny sharp teeth resembling a needle point. Lower half of head pale. Dorsal and anal fins placed far back. Caudal fin bluish. Lateral line low on side.
Found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries; enters fresh water.
Photos provided by Roger Thomas.