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Smalltooth weakfish (Cynoscion steindachneri) — Sciaenidae

Smalltooth weakfish

Cynoscion steindachneri
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Smalltooth weakfish (Cynoscion steindachneri) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 110 cm.

Length
110 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Depth
1.0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The smalltooth weakfish (Cynoscion steindachneri) is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has a streamlined, silvery body and can reach about 1.1 metres. It lives mainly in brackish coastal swamps and also enters fresh water; for reproduction it migrates to the open sea. The diet consists of fishes, shrimps and sometimes plant matter. The species is an important food fish that is fished commercially in places. Like other drums it can produce drumming sounds with its swim bladder, especially during reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smalltooth weakfish?

The Smalltooth weakfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Smalltooth weakfish live?

The Smalltooth weakfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Smalltooth weakfish get?

The Smalltooth weakfish grows to a maximum of about 110 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.

Is the Smalltooth weakfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Smalltooth weakfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Smalltooth weakfish edible?

Yes, the Smalltooth weakfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleintand-ombervis sourced
English name
Smalltooth weakfish verified
Scientific name
Cynoscion steindachneri
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Smalltooth weakfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
110.0 verified
Average length (cm)
45.0 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 spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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