Highhat (Drum Family)

Pareques acuminatus

It is usually the juveniles that you will find most often. Near shores in the shallows, (picture #1 was taken in about a foot of water) a small black and white striped fish with a long dorsal fin. They are often called the "Fish with a face" because if the markings on their noses. They may be in small groups of 2 or 3 and hover at or near entrances to recesses near the sandy bottom. Will school with other juveniles grunts, lobsters or other residents of these protected recesses. As they mature, like so may other fish, they will move into deeper water 15 feet or more but still hang out close to the sea floor near overhangs and under rock recesses. The Highhat will always have a 'bar' across their face from eye to eye. Adults will reach about 8 inches in length. Similar species- Compare to Spotted Drum.