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Point-Tuza croaker (Ophioscion scierus) — Sciaenidae

Point-Tuza croaker

Ophioscion scierus
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Point-Tuza croaker (Ophioscion scierus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; shallow coastal waters over soft sediment, sometimes estuaries.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The point-nose croaker is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a stocky, silver-grey body with a blunt, rounded snout and an inferior mouth. It inhabits shallow coastal waters over soft sediment and sometimes enters estuaries. As a bottom predator it feeds mainly on shrimps and other bottom animals. Like other drums it can make drumming sounds with the swim bladder, used in courtship. The point-nose croaker is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Point-Tuza croaker?

The Point-Tuza croaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Blunt, round snout and inferior mouth; makes drumming sounds with the swim bladder.

Where does the Point-Tuza croaker live?

The Point-Tuza croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow coastal waters over soft sediment, sometimes estuaries.

How big does the Point-Tuza croaker get?

The Point-Tuza croaker grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Point-Tuza croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Point-Tuza croaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Point-Tuza croaker edible?

Yes, the Point-Tuza croaker is commonly eaten.

More photos

Point-Tuza croaker (Ophioscion scierus) — Sciaenidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Charles Henry Gilbert (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Point-Tuza croaker verified
Scientific name
Ophioscion scierus
Family
Sciaenidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; shallow coastal waters over soft sediment, sometimes estuaries. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Shrimps and other bottom-dwelling animals sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Blunt, round snout and inferior mouth; makes drumming sounds with the swim bladder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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