Spot croaker
(Leiostomus xanthurus)

Classification

Species: Leiostomus xanthurus

General data

Scientific names: Spot croaker
Local names: Norfolk spot, Virginia spot, Spot
Habitat: Saltwater
Climate: Subtropical
Native to coast of: North America

The spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), also known commonly as the Norfolk spot and the Virginia spot, is a species of small short-lived saltwater fish in the family Sciaenidae. The species inhabits estuary and coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas, and derives its name from the prominent dark spot behind each gill. It is the only species in the genus Leiostomus. Spot are frequently caught by recreational anglers and are good to eat.

Their diet consists largely of organic detritus, small crustaceans, and worms. Bloodworms are the ideal bait when fishing for spot.