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Corvina (Cynoscion parvipinnis) — Sciaenidae

Corvina

Cynoscion parvipinnis
Family: Sciaenidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Corvina (Cynoscion parvipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 69 cm.

Length
69 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; from southern California (US) to the Gulf of California and Mazatlán (Mexico); shallow sandy areas, bays and estuaries.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The shortfin corvina is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 69 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with fine dark speckling. It inhabits shallow inshore sandy areas, bays and estuaries. As a predator it hunts mainly small fishes. Like other drums it can make drumming sounds with its swim bladder, which play a role in reproduction. The shortfin corvina is a valued food and angling fish. Owing to limited data the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Corvina?

The Corvina has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Makes drumming sounds with the swim bladder; predator of sandy coastal areas and estuaries.

Where does the Corvina live?

The Corvina lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; from southern California (US) to the Gulf of California and Mazatlán (Mexico); shallow sandy areas, bays and estuaries.

How big does the Corvina get?

The Corvina grows to a maximum of about 69 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Corvina dangerous to humans?

No, the Corvina is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Corvina edible?

Yes, the Corvina is commonly eaten.

More photos

Corvina (Cynoscion parvipinnis) — Sciaenidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Jacob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Corvina (Cynoscion parvipinnis) — Sciaenidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jacob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Corvina (Cynoscion parvipinnis) — Sciaenidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Vince Golder, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Corvina (Cynoscion parvipinnis) — Sciaenidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Zach Fratello, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Corvina verified
Scientific name
Cynoscion parvipinnis
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Croaker; Shortfin corvina; Shortfin weakfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
69.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; from southern California (US) to the Gulf of California and Mazatlán (Mexico); shallow sandy areas, bays and estuaries. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Makes drumming sounds with the swim bladder; predator of sandy coastal areas and estuaries. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cynoscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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