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Pacora croaker (Plagioscion surinamensis) — Sciaenidae

Pacora croaker

Plagioscion surinamensis
Family: Sciaenidae

The Pacora croaker (Plagioscion surinamensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
1.0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Pacora croaker is a freshwater croaker (Sciaenidae) from large rivers, lakes and floodplains of northern South America. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth; with its swim bladder it makes drumming sounds. As a bottom-oriented predator it searches over sand and mud for small fish, shrimp and crustaceans. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacora croaker?

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

Where does the Pacora croaker live?

The Pacora croaker lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname

How big does the Pacora croaker get?

The Pacora croaker grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.

Is the Pacora croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacora 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 Pacora croaker edible?

Yes, the Pacora croaker is commonly eaten.

More photos

Pacora croaker (Plagioscion surinamensis) — Sciaenidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Exploradores Arcoiris IE de Gambote, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Pacora croaker (Plagioscion surinamensis) — Sciaenidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Miguel Diaz Anaya, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pacora croaker (Plagioscion surinamensis) — Sciaenidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Miguel Diaz Anaya, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Pacora croaker sourced
Scientific name
Plagioscion surinamensis
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Pacora; Bashaw verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname 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 Plagioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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