Hogchoker (Trinectus maculatus)

Hogchoker (Trinectus maculatus) are a common species of flatfish that inhabit brackish coastal waters from Massachusetts to Venezuela. They are known to travel far up rivers and even into freshwater, which has led to them commonly being sold as “freshwater flounder”. Despite this monicker they do best when kept in at least low-salinity brackish water long-term. Named “hogchokers” because farmers on the east coast used to try and use these fish as feed for their hogs, but the hogs would struggle to eat them due to the shape of their body.  

Hogchoker are most common in soft-bottomed bays and estuaries where they feed by burying themselves in sand or mud and sifting through it to find small invertebrates. For this reason fine sand as a substrate will allow them to behave naturally and encourage feeding. Hogchoker can be cohabitated with a variety of fish, just avoid tankmates that may pick on them and stress them out. 

Currently available animals are field-collected and have gone through a preventative quarantine and treatments as necessary.

Care Level: Intermediate. 

Salinity (SG): 1.002-1.022

Diet: Various aquatic invertebrates. They can be picky and often prefer live foods, however they often will take frozen foods over time. Daphnia, microworms, blackworms, chopped earthworms, brine shrimp and mysis are all popular choices. 

Adult Size: They average 6”-8” but exceptional specimens can reach up to 10”. 

pH: 7.5-8.5

Water Temp: 60-80F  

Other Care Preferences: Fine sand is best as a substrate. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Live hogchoker flounder (Trinectes maculatus) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!