Striped SearobinorNorthern Searobin

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of a Striped Searobin (Prionotus evolans), side view, on a white background — **Striped Searobin***Prionotus evolans*

Studio photograph of a Northern Searobin (Prionotus carolinus), side view, on a white background — **Northern Searobin***Prionotus carolinus*

Rules for both fish from 0 state rulebooks, checked Sep 22, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Striped Searobin

Armor-headed glider with wing-like pectorals, finger-rays it walks on, and two bold dark stripes along the body.

Northern Searobin

Wing-like pectorals, armored head, walks on finger rays.

Northern searobin, next to striped searobin: plain sides, no bold stripes.

Side by side

	Striped Searobin	Northern Searobin
Scientific name	Prionotus evolans	Prionotus carolinus
Also called	—	—
Waters	Inshore	Inshore
Heaviest state record	4 lb 3 oz · Connecticut (2012)	—
On the table	Firm and sweet — better than its reputation.	Edible but rarely kept.
Rules of its own in	0 states	0 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

State	Striped Searobin: size · bag · season	Northern Searobin: size · bag · season

Questions anglers ask

How do you tell striped searobin from northern searobin?

Striped Searobin: Armor-headed glider with wing-like pectorals, finger-rays it walks on, and two bold dark stripes along the body. Northern Searobin: Wing-like pectorals, armored head, walks on finger rays. Northern searobin, next to striped searobin: plain sides, no bold stripes.

Which is better to eat, striped searobin or northern searobin?

Striped Searobin: Firm and sweet — better than its reputation. Northern Searobin: Edible but rarely kept.