Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Hogchoker

HOGCHOKER - Trinectes maculatus Family Soleidae

Description: The Hogchoker is commonly found in both saltwater and coastal freshwater rivers of the Gulf of Mexico. The Hogchoker has a flat, rounded body that is dark brownish-gray on top and pale on the bottom. Adults have small eyes that are both located on the right, or top, side of the head, and a rounded head with a small mouth. Hogchokers have narrow, black vertical lines or rounded spots on the top side of the body. Dorsal and anal fins that stretch around the body from the head to the tail.
Habitat: Hogchokers are abundant year-round residents that inhabit coastal waters. They also enter fresh waters, going hundreds of miles upstream. They are bottom-dwellers in shallow and deep waters with a sandy, silty or muddy bottom.
Size: Hogchokers grow to about 6 inches.
Remarks: The unusual name "Hogchoker" comes from farmers who used to feed these fish to their hogs. The hogs would often choke on the fishes' scaly, bony bodies.