http://www.gsoproject.org/species-identification daily 0.75 2024-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618000814-4JERBF6LGPI2YABUBV4N/BlueAngel_MichaelONeill.jpg Species Identification - Blue Angelfish - Holacanthus bermudensis Photo credit - Michael O'Neill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727657117740-VYS6G1FR9WN6XHZ4Z7X8/QueenAngelfish_MichaelZambardino.jpeg Species Identification - Queen Angelfish - Holacanthus ciliaris Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1725966644649-17QAAXUYMUN6ODYO3XW5/IMG_4974.jpg Species Identification - Spotfin Butterflyfish - Chaetodon ocellatus One of the most commonly found tropical species, these quick to hide butterflyfish may appear as just a flash of yellow before darting to the nearest hiding place. Photo credit: Brian Weber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618933418-T464XTR3VUUWE1ST2NBN/image-asset.jpg Species Identification - Foureye Butterflyfish - Chaetodon capistratus Known for their distinctive false eye-spot at the base of their tail, Foureye Butterflyfish also commonly display dark gray vertical bands as juveniles. Bonus points if you spot the juvenile trunkfish in this photo as well! Photo credit: Maria Mitchell Association https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1618277459907-MW25FUIIFLI0L52X5EHU/Csedentarius_2_gardner.PNG Species Identification - Reef Butterflyfish, C. sedentarius - photo: A. Gardner Similar in appearance to Spotfin Butterflyfish, but far less-commonly reported, Reef Butterflyfish have a distinctive vertical black band at the base of the caudal fin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727614981671-VAGUPP7PMX3LUJRIZ7OZ/BluespottedCornetfish_AlexShure.jpg Species Identification - Bluespotted Cornetfish - Fistularia tabacaria Often observed orienting with seagrass beds, these relatives of seahorses and trumpetfish are typically 6-10" in length when sighted in the NW Atlantic. The can grow to several feet in length as adults! Photo credit - Alex Shure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1725966451216-PF3K77YU22BUJYV4MUHC/IMG_4507.jpg Species Identification - Short Bigeye - Pristigenys alta With a facial expression most anyone could love, Short Bigeyes can be found just 1-2" in length as GSO's. Distinguished from Glasseye or Bigeye snappers, they have extremely short bodies from mouth to tail making their profile almost circular. Photo Credit: Brian Weber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618957408-0AKWA3ZKL4GK72HJ9ZCM/GlasseyeSnapper_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - Glasseye Snapper - Heteropriacanthus cruentatus Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727656582371-ASF4OECQZI365UKWLDGK/TwospotCardinalfish_MichaelZambardino.jpeg Species Identification - Twospot Cardinalfish - Apogon pseudomaculatus Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618946439-MVLYDT27BFRN6ASMD0ES/image-asset.jpg Species Identification - Cowfish These adorable members of the boxfish family might be hard to find when diving in the Northeast. Sometimes only the size of a bean, these animals tend to reside in seagrass beds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618973101-T2S0XHJAUFCLQVCUDEV7/DoctorFishGSO2019.jpg Species Identification - Doctorfish - Acanthurus chigurus A member of the tang family, Doctorfish are very close in appearance to Ocean Surgeonfish. The notable difference being faint vertical bars along the sides of the body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1725966555570-FT5UPYGP693USZS976FU/Gurnard_MMA.JPG Species Identification - Flying Gurnard - Dactylopterus volitans The Flying Gurnard is famous for magnificent pectoral fins with vibrant blue coloration. Photo Credit: Brian Weber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1459131951847-TVME8QT7M0CGH12IX5S9/image-asset.jpeg Species Identification - Plumed Scorpionfish - Scorpaena gradicornis Masters of disguise and defense, these fish camoflauge well and pack a powerful punch due to venomous spines. Photo credit: The Virginia Living Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1456352894859-ZSDGM0CPUFCRM76F569O/image-asset.jpeg Species Identification - Sargassum Fish - Histrio histrio A member of the frogfish family (Antennariidae) and the anglerfish order (Lophiiformes), these fish perch in floating Sargassum seaweed waiting for their prey. These floating mats of seaweed originate in the subtropical Atlantic and occasionally reach New England waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1452868198388-6C091VNI8I6BF6ULO75M/IMG_4303.jpg Species Identification https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727659546237-F09GOTJKWG3F5XQL35SR/PlaneheadFilefish_MichaelZambardino.jpg Species Identification - Planehead Filefish - Stephanolepis hispidus Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618661992-12YMAKPVTAP42NT2GCPX/ScrawledFilefish_LindsayPhenix.jpg Species Identification - Scrawled Filefish - Aluterus scriptus Photo credit - Lindsay Phenix & Chris Bauernfeind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727615166677-IT2SNQHINK8WG96XPB9B/OrangeFilefish_MichaelZambardino.jpeg Species Identification - Orange Filefish - Aluterus schoepfii Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727656703884-G2S7POGTCKF1KXBQ0N72/RedGrouper_MichaelZambardino.jpeg Species Identification - Red Grouper - Epinephelus morio Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1572703781121-UL005YSXAICW6ZJML4S2/GaggrouperGSO.jpg Species Identification - Gag Grouper - Mycteroperca microlepis Gag grouper are one of several species found as juveniles through the Gulf Stream Orphan phenomenon. These species can be hard to identify in their post-larval and juvenile phases due to drastic color and pattern variations. Photo: Mary McCarthy, Virginia Aquarium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651313174-2W1S9O3E3Z0VI3WMEA4G/BlackGrouper_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - Black Grouper - Mycteroperca bonaci Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1459292869009-DX3SS4OSK796J1LFR80B/SnowyGrouper_MMA.JPG Species Identification - Snowy Grouper - Epinephelus niveatus One of a handful of grouper species that can become Gulf Stream Orphans, Snowy Groupers stick out in a crowd thanks to distinct white spots. Photo credit: Maria Mitchell Association https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618887379-T5TLIHIYJWCFFJ0L49YP/ScampGrouper_MichaelZambardino.jpg Species Identification - Scamp Grouper - Mycteroperca phenax Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1572704268807-AUWFNRP8EHUJZL3V43J6/GoatfishEdited1.jpg Species Identification - Dwarf Goatfish - Upeneus parvus While native to the southeastern US and Caribbean as adults, Dwarf Goatfish have been spotted in New England waters due to the Gulf Stream and their pelagic juvenile stage. Photo: Mike McDevitt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727618907657-VM9FBB442O9VG5NG1CLI/IMG_4312.jpg Species Identification - Permit - Trachinotus falcatus A member of the fast-moving jack family Carangidae, these fish can grow up to several feet. When seen along the New England coast as GSO's these fish are only a few inches in length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727652563076-ETO2CO5VCGJV34UQYP8F/Permit_Pompano_MMA.JPG Species Identification - Florida Pompano - Trachinotus carolinus Another member of the jack family, the Florida Pompano is often confused with the Permit, particularly as juveniles. Pompano generally exhibit a more elongated body compared to permit. Photo credit: Michael O'Neill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727652759564-BH3GO2GW6C5J0RSZ7N7C/BandedRudderfish_iNat.jpg Species Identification - Banded Rudderfish - Seriola zonata Commonly confused with pilotfish, the banded rudderfish exhibits similar bold bands as juveniles that fade as the fish matures. Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727655300890-SROMVKTPDNJ2QQR8MB7V/CrevalleJack_DrewRuiz2.jpg Species Identification - Crevalle Jack - Caranx hippos Photo credit - Drew Ruiz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727653960051-FG5OIV8UR1SV9IZYEPI9/AtlanticNeedlefish_MichaelZambardino.jpg Species Identification - Atlantic Needlefish - Strongylura marina A common coastal and estuarine species, Atlantic Needlefish are commonly reported up and down the east coast of North America in seasonally warm waters. Based on their distribution this species is generally considered not a "true" GSO, since much of their distribution is independent of Gulf Stream dispersal. Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1572701509943-HIP52SA9CS5814Z784ZE/MoonfishGSO.jpg Species Identification - Atlantic Moonfish - Selene setapinnis A close relative of the Lookdown, Selene vomer, the Atlantic Moonfish has a more deeply curved ventrum (belly). This species is relatively commonly found as juveniles (approximately 1-2”TL) in the summer months. Photo credit: Center for Coastal Studies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727656557315-K0AIQOVS3GDOP82U41TJ/AfricanPompano_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - African Pompano - Alectis ciliaris Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727656536869-HBQODCYTHWD5MB3FWHI6/Lookdown_LIA.jpg Species Identification - Lookdown - Selene vomer Known for their metallic shimmer and distinctive face, Lookdowns are another member of the jack family, Caragidae that can be found in shallow waters along the East Coast of the U.S. As juveniles, this species has long ribbon-like fins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727657193829-F74D9ZN3TIB0S80PSVWV/SpottedDriftfish_DaveRemsen.jpeg Species Identification - Spotted Driftfish - Ariomma regulus Photo credit - Dave Remsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651606751-CQWT6UM6D9WNNANTWG6U/NorthernSennett.jpg Species Identification - Northern Sennet - Sphyraena borealis Northern Sennet are a member of the barracuda family. One of the more common seasonal visitors to the Northeastern U.S. during warmer months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1618279423452-AS17BXWT6GUJDQI29W3P/TidewaterMojarra_iNat.jpeg Species Identification - Tidewater Mojarra, E. harengulus - photo: marinenature - iNaturalist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651589905-XKBTDGO40QBO8AWICO7B/Spadefish_iNat.jpg Species Identification - Atlantic Spadefish, C. faber - photo: cbjoiner - iNaturalist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651556642-A3YB4VHN3QLPP7BIW7TI/GreySnapperGSO.jpg Species Identification - Grey Snapper, L. griseus - photo: zackroyle - iNaturalist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651543255-F76OTYD0WNGATOSCBP0Y/NorthernRedSnapper_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - Northern Red Snapper - Lutjanus campechanus Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727657650562-B0AUUM09IFR4AKJ5K3ZS/Schoolmaster_DrewFishBruh.jpeg Species Identification - Schoolmaster - Lutjanus apodus Photo credit - Drew Ruiz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727615217070-BSSXLBM0728780CH9MCV/Lionfish_MichaelZambardino.jpeg Species Identification - Lionfish - Pterois volitans Photo credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727652189925-2TA81E2H4WAUV9SKXP3Z/greytriggerfish.jpg Species Identification - Grey Triggerfish - Balistes capriscus Often reported as adults in New England during the summer months, this seasonal visitor from more temperate latitudes is likely not a “true” Gulf Stream Orphan. It is likely that this species is merely visiting New England at the top of their geographic range rather than a wayward tropical species that is completely displaced from its native range. Photo Credit - Michael Zambardino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651401166-BLZLEXLYS6WEDUMOZCCD/Squirrelfish_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - Squirrelfish - Holocentrus adscensionis Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651514338-TJ5EEFI1591DRN1O4317/BandtailPuffer_AlexShure.jpg Species Identification - Bandtail Pufer - Sphoeroides spengleri Photo credit - Alex Shure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727651447645-KFYESVHFZ4BMH38CSCJV/StripedBurrfish_NeilDeMaster.jpg Species Identification - Striped Burrfish - Chilomycterus schoepfii A common resident of coastal ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Striped Burrfish are generally not considered a "true" GSO since they seasonally creep northward rather than relying on the Gulf Stream for dispersal. Photo credit - Neil DeMaster https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727656613996-0EYVJHZJHTTUNFW5L09D/SmoothPuffer_AidanPerkins.jpeg Species Identification - Smooth Pufferfish - Lagocephalus laevigatus Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727655287424-PCHUKWMVBG92BPXH5RQ4/InshoreLizardfish_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - Inshore Lizardfish - Synodus foetens Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727659595323-AXS1JAGJ11PKBV1VEPDO/NightSergeant_AidanPerkins.jpg Species Identification - Night Sergeant - Abudefduf taurus Photo credit - Aidan Perkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1727659965941-NT56CQI12TMF3AN1V4WJ/Cobia_DrewRuiz2.jpeg Species Identification - Cobia - Rachycentron canadum Photo credit - Drew Ruiz http://www.gsoproject.org/updates daily 0.75 2025-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1470616778634-YNCZN4MXPG9UNVHM9CDA/IMG_6325.jpg Updates http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2025/2/3/publication-in-fisheries monthly 0.5 2025-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/c39beb87-1528-4bbc-bb2d-e22f937226fe/ONeilletal_2025.png Updates - Publication in Fisheries - Read the open-access article here. http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2024/9/10/2024-season monthly 0.5 2024-09-27 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2019/11/2/american-fisheries-society-southern-new-england-chapter-meeting-january-12-14-2020-1 monthly 0.5 2019-11-02 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2019/11/1/new-england-aquarium-dive-club-tropical-fish-rescue-september-14-2019 monthly 0.5 2019-11-01 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2019/11/1/65th-annual-boston-sea-rovers-march-10-2019 monthly 0.5 2019-11-01 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2019/11/1/gso-presentation-at-the-2018-cape-cod-natural-history-conference monthly 0.5 2019-11-01 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2016/9/28/new-england-aquarium-dive-club-tropical-fish-rescue monthly 0.5 2016-09-28 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2016/8/7/fin-tonic-members-night-at-the-new-england-aquarium monthly 0.5 2016-08-08 http://www.gsoproject.org/updates/2016/8/7/upcoming-events monthly 0.5 2016-08-08 http://www.gsoproject.org/whatisagso daily 0.75 2021-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1620256590373-XTLGI1U6EXPZ15RLN0KX/PrefTempHabitatFacet.png What is a GSO? Preferred temperature ranges of species reported to the Gulf stream orphan project. temperature ranges are determined through modeling by aquamaps.org using occurence data from GBIF.org and OBIS.org. (Kaschner et al. 2019). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1619798775156-555BQHDMCBNYB46CVYVN/NorthernSennett.jpg What is a GSO? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1619798835763-4O80TXBUFI5UFK3YV367/Cocellatus_original.jpg What is a GSO? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1619798846360-PBZ8FWKMDIWELZJV5XYZ/SnowyGrouperGSO2019.jpg What is a GSO? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1619798860676-Z1J6AOIPLGE104NFPA7M/BluespottedCornetfish.jpg What is a GSO? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1619797124879-FYKJLULUVPGOWBCYJH4D/Rplot1.png What is a GSO? THe geographic distribution of reported Gulf Stream orphans to the GSO project on inaturalist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1452821082001-I7HKUOZX6GYFU4DU08RN/IMG_4302_2.jpg What is a GSO? http://www.gsoproject.org/whatistheproject daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/67d3d18b-b18f-4c1a-b0f3-e7729fce439b/DOY_hist_2019-2024.png What is the Project? - Citizen Science Citizen Science Reports of Gulf stream orphans to inaturalist from 2019-2024. Trends in Reporting Year over year is a factor of both seasonal variation in gulf stream activity and increases in community science engagement and participation on the iNaturalist platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1453929486402-25ZIDIL94B1XJZFNSOSD/01-JamestownDive-0813c.jpg What is the Project? http://www.gsoproject.org/whom daily 0.75 2025-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/ee0c2c7b-4c0f-42ec-aeb9-40a3a821d5e4/MO_IPR_Edited.jpg About Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1572636986084-VQC2BH5EJ4XR7TQ61SD3/IMG_20170824_114602.jpg About Me http://www.gsoproject.org/submitdata daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/56c78fdc-4c5f-45ae-9e85-7f21a0bfd15a/iNaturalistLogo.png Submit Data - Submit Data on iNaturalist! The GSO Project now gathers data via iNaturalist! Follow the link below to check out our page, and download the app to start reporting sightings in the field! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1455752058454-493VWBMK82JQ71H3VFVO/IMG_5225.JPG Submit Data http://www.gsoproject.org/contact daily 0.75 2016-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1455771809548-OIFT6AP8OHDK64ERGRY5/image-asset.jpeg Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1455752182463-ZL5IC9OEX0D0Q8I96FNW/Ft.+Wetherhill.jpg Contact http://www.gsoproject.org/home daily 1.0 2024-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/4452fe76-33ca-4210-acb4-6fb7977766a2/BlueAngel_MichaelONeill.jpg The Gulf Stream Orphan Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1455767709225-W9NMSI9S6W5UC7OEGPAB/CZCS_Starter2.gif The Gulf Stream Orphan Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/02620725-53dc-4e15-bd84-89c26a6e4912/Owen_Trawl1.jpg The Gulf Stream Orphan Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1452869364801-17HFJD1XR8UCEG3RWPNQ/IMG_4303.jpg The Gulf Stream Orphan Project http://www.gsoproject.org/subit-data-2 daily 0.75 2016-01-27 http://www.gsoproject.org/participating-organizations daily 0.75 2016-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56983c2976d99ca9004e406d/1458319751265-OLSGJWL43POLDKX2MNF5/IMG_4303.jpg Participants http://www.gsoproject.org/read-me-five daily 0.75 2025-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5016d42984ae3ecc9e018d91/1376581849029-XMY0369BNE3M724R2LNA/51b7353be4b049e6ffb2caaf.png Read Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5016d42984ae3ecc9e018d91/1378827958933-4PFZPMQ2B5002HIZNKCA/BeeHive+%2820130910%29.jpg Read Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5016d42984ae3ecc9e018d91/1376581850041-71T9N2T854LTY451D3G4/51b75f4be4b0b1ab92015ea0.png Read Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5016d42984ae3ecc9e018d91/1376686207692-LRO3OMT4KGTOS9Q8WIRN/gBO0wXUBOBY-QkPZm8Lvg-I-ifill_2048.jpg Read Me http://www.gsoproject.org/page-2 daily 0.75 2025-04-23