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Longfin croaker (Paralonchurus petersii) — Sciaenidae

Longfin croaker

Paralonchurus petersii
Family: Sciaenidae

The Longfin croaker (Paralonchurus petersii) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Longfin croaker is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific from Mexico to Peru. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body, small barbels under the chin and a large swim bladder with which it makes a drumming sound. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for worms, small crustaceans and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longfin croaker?

The Longfin croaker has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Longfin croaker live?

The Longfin croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others

How big does the Longfin croaker get?

The Longfin croaker grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Longfin croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Longfin 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.

Is the Longfin croaker edible?

Yes, the Longfin croaker is commonly eaten.

More photos

Longfin croaker (Paralonchurus petersii) — Sciaenidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Charles Henry Gilbert (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Longfin croaker sourced
Scientific name
Paralonchurus petersii
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Peters' banded croaker sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 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 Paralonchurus

More from the family Sciaenidae

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