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Common searobin (Prionotus ruscarius) — Triglidae

Common searobin

Prionotus ruscarius
Family: Triglidae
LC · Least Concern

The Common searobin (Prionotus ruscarius) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
39.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Mexican searobin is a searobin (Triglidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a flattened, bony head and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins that can be conspicuously coloured when spread. The lower pectoral fin rays are free, finger-like feelers with which it 'walks' over the bottom and probes for prey. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. It feeds on shrimps, crabs and other benthic crustaceans and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Common searobin?

The Common searobin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Common searobin live?

The Common searobin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Common searobin get?

The Common searobin grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Common searobin dangerous to humans?

No, the Common searobin is harmless to humans.

Is the Common searobin edible?

The Common searobin is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mexicaanse zeehaan sourced
English name
Common searobin verified
Scientific name
Prionotus ruscarius
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Rough searobin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.5 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Prionotus

More from the family Triglidae

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