Striped SearobinorNorthern Searobin
Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.
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 | 1 states | 0 states |
Rules for
Every state, both fish
The two fish are regulated differently in 1 of 1 states with a rule for either. In Massachusetts, striped searobin is No size limit, No bag limit while northern searobin has no rule of its own there. Call the fish wrong and you keep a short one or throw back a legal one.
| State | Striped Searobin: size · bag · season | Northern Searobin: size · bag · season |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | No size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenMA DMF 2026 · likely · checked | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. |
In the app
Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, striped searobin or northern searobin, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.
Get the appQuestions 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.
Do striped searobin and northern searobin have the same limits?
Not everywhere. They differ in 1 state rulebooks. Massachusetts: striped searobin No size limit, No bag limit, northern searobin no rule of its own.