Fin's Fish Guide
The Bastard trout (Cynoscion regalis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 98 cm.
Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, from Nova Scotia (Canada) to Florida (USA), in coastal waters and estuaries.
Description
The weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) is a slender drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic, along the east coast of North America from Nova Scotia to Florida. It reaches about 40-70 cm and has a silvery-green body with fine dark speckling and a large mouth bearing canine teeth. Its name refers to the delicate mouth tissue that tears easily when hooked. A schooling predator of coastal waters and estuaries, it hunts small fishes and shrimp. The species is a popular sport and food fish, widely taken by anglers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bastard trout?
The Bastard trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, silver drum with a large mouth with canine teeth and a delicate mouth structure to which it owes its English name 'weakfish'.
Where does the Bastard trout live?
The Bastard trout lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, from Nova Scotia (Canada) to Florida (USA), in coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Bastard trout get?
The Bastard trout grows to a maximum of about 98 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Bastard trout dangerous to humans?
No, the Bastard trout is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bastard trout edible?
Yes, the Bastard trout is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynoscion
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Bastard trout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bastard trout is one of 12,519 species in the app.