Saltwater Fish of Connecticut
Banded Rudderfish
Seriola zonata
🏆 Connecticut State Record
Harvest1 lb 5 oz · 13"Israel Ruman · 2018 · Milford
Catch & Release—
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Also called: Rudderfish
Identification
Small amberjack relative with dark vertical bands when young, fading to olive-amber as it grows.
Habitat
Offshore and around floating structure in warm months; uncommon in Connecticut waters.
Behavior
Young fish follow sharks, rays and floating objects; adults school around wrecks.
How to Catch
Small jigs and baitfish around buoys and floating weed.
Notes
Rare visitor to Connecticut — listed in CT DEEP’s exotic marine species record category.