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Mimic croaker (Ophioscion simulus) — Sciaenidae

Mimic croaker

Ophioscion simulus
Family: Sciaenidae

The Mimic croaker (Ophioscion simulus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador, Panama

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Description

The Mimic 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 Mimic croaker?

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

Where does the Mimic croaker live?

The Mimic croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador, Panama

How big does the Mimic croaker get?

The Mimic croaker grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Mimic croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Mimic 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
Mimic croaker sourced
Scientific name
Ophioscion simulus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Snub-nosed croaker sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Ecuador, Panama 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

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 Ophioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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