Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)

Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) are a familiar fish along the east coast, ranging from Nova Scotia south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Also called seabream and convict fish, they are a marine fish that is most commonly found in brackish coastal waters within bays and estuaries, reportedly entering freshwater during the winter on occasion. Sheepshead love structure and are common around jetties, rock pilings, piers, dock pilings, and mangrove roots. Juveniles are most common amongst eelgrass beds and muddy bottoms. Sheepshead are omnivores, but have a strong preference for crustaceans and bivalves, using the large “human-like” teeth at the front of their mouth for scraping barnacles off structure and crushing other hard-shelled organisms. They are an important recreational fish throughout their range, and have limited commercial importance. 

Sheepshead adapt well to aquaria and are fairly common in public aquariums. They will grow quickly and get large, which should be kept in mind before purchase. 

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

Some may have minor cosmetic imperfections such as an imperfect fin or old scar.

Care Level: Intermediate. 

Salinity (SG): 1.014-full marine.

Diet: Omnivores with a preference for crustaceans and bivalves. Will accept a variety of foods in captivity.

Adult Size: Up to 36” is possible, however 14”-15” is average. Fish up to 15lbs have been caught, but over 8lb is rare. Average weight is 3-4lbs. 

pH: 8.0-8.5

Water Temp: 60-78F is ideal in a captive setting, however they can tolerate temperatures outside of these ranges.

Other Care Preferences: Please keep in mind that these fish grow quickly and will require a large aquarium as adults. Choose tankmates carefully.

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 sheepshead fish (Archosargus probatocephalus) 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!