The Mexican searobin (Prionotus paralatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The Mexican searobin is a searobin (Triglidae) from the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent parts of the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a flattened, bony-armoured head and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins; the lower pectoral fin rays are free, finger-like feelers with which it 'walks' over the bottom and probes for prey. It lives on soft bottoms further offshore, at depths of about 36 to 180 m. As a bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans and bottom animals. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mexican searobin?
The Mexican searobin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Fan-shaped pectoral fins with finger-like feelers; bottom fish of the deeper shelf.
Where does the Mexican searobin live?
The Mexican searobin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic; soft bottoms further offshore.
How big does the Mexican searobin get?
The Mexican searobin grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Mexican searobin dangerous to humans?
No, the Mexican searobin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mexican searobin edible?
The Mexican searobin is rarely eaten.

Want the complete picture on the Mexican searobin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mexican searobin is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Prionotus
More from the family Triglidae

Want the complete picture on the Mexican searobin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mexican searobin is one of 12,519 species in the app.