Permit (fish) - Distribution and Habitat

Distribution and Habitat

Permit are usually found in shallow, tropical waters such as mudflats, channels, and muddy bottoms. They are usually seen as individuals or in small schools; if approached when alone, they attempt to escape human interaction, but if approached when in a school formation, they become aggressive and can deliver dangerous bites. Although permit are found close to shore and even in some brackish areas, they spawn offshore. Young Permit are found usually in the surf zone where there are plenty of small invertebrates for them to feed on.

Permit are found in the western Atlantic ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, including most of the Caribbean islands.