Squeteague

squeteague Cynoscion regalis, otherwise known as weakfish (because of the tender mouth, easily torn by a hook), a fish of the western N. Atlantic. It belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is thus a close relation of the croakers and drums; the males of the species share with their brother drums the capability to make loud noises in the water.

An impressive fish, which may attain a length of 1 m (40") and has a complex and attractive coloration. It ranges as far north as Massachusetts (in the summer only) and as far south as Florida, and counts as the most important sciaenid fish in N. American waters. Its quality is good, but that of its less common relation, C. nebulosus, the spotted squeteague, is considered to be even better. Both fish are liable to be called by such misnomers as ‘trout’, ‘sea trout’, etc. in the southern states.