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Finescale croaker (Ophioscion punctatissimus) — Sciaenidae

Finescale croaker

Ophioscion punctatissimus
Family: Sciaenidae

The Finescale croaker (Ophioscion punctatissimus) is a fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Finescale croaker is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific around Central America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth; with its swim bladder it makes drumming sounds. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans and small fish. It is locally a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Finescale croaker?

The Finescale croaker is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Finescale croaker live?

The Finescale croaker is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Finescale croaker get?

The Finescale croaker grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Finescale croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Finescale croaker 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Finescale croaker sourced
Scientific name
Ophioscion punctatissimus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Spotted croaker; Impostor drum; Snake croaker

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
25 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Ophioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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