Shiner Perch, Cymatogaster aggregata on the beach

This Shiner Perch, Cymatogaster aggregata was at the water’s edge on Taylor Beach this morning. Cause of death is unknown. They are often found along our coast in shallow waters, and eel-grass communities, and serve as important forage fish, especially as juveniles.

2014=aug-perch1
Classification from Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: April 2013
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Embiotocidae
Cymatogaster
Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons, 1854