What is this?

[Sculpin]

yup, that's it... i'm almost 100% sure that's an M. retifera

they are more common, though by no means plentiful, on the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and north on the east coast of the U.S. to New England.

here's very basic info:

http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=2618

and here's a picture of one:

http://www.marinelifeimages.com/carib/fishid/pages/eel/pages/FSD565.htm

but note that the "horns" are missing on that picture...

Thanks Andy,

I agree with your choice, problem solved.
Sculpin.

 

[mandrake]

Thanks Andy,

I agree with your choice, problem solved.
Sculpin.

Now is this the same eel? This is what I was referring to as a reticulate moray. I see these all over the place off North Carolina.

 

[jkennedy]

Reticulate Moray ( Muraena retifera) is the correct answer.......Jack

 

[Sculpin]

Now is this the same eel? This is what I was referring to as a reticulate moray. I see these all over the place off North Carolina.

Maybe I got one down here that dosen't like the colder waters.
Where there is one maybe there's more, keep my eye's peeled.
Never ceases to amaze me what is down there, what's common to me is rare to a other people.
Please can you send us some big Maine Lobsters