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Seatrout (Atractoscion nobilis) — Sciaenidae

Seatrout

Atractoscion nobilis
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Seatrout (Atractoscion nobilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 166 cm.

Length
166 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–122.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific off North America; rocky bottoms, kelp forests and surf zone.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The white seabass is a large croaker (Sciaenidae) from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species has an elongate, silvery body and grows to over a metre. It forms schools over rocky bottoms, in kelp forests and in the surf zone; juveniles grow up in bays. Like other croakers it makes drumming sounds with its swim bladder. As a predator it hunts fishes such as anchovy and sardine, and squid. It is an important sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Seatrout?

The Seatrout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large croaker (>1 m) of kelp forests; drums with its swim bladder; important sport and food fish.

Where does the Seatrout live?

The Seatrout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific off North America; rocky bottoms, kelp forests and surf zone.

How big does the Seatrout get?

The Seatrout grows to a maximum of about 166 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.

Is the Seatrout dangerous to humans?

No, the Seatrout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Seatrout edible?

Yes, the Seatrout is commonly eaten.

More photos

Seatrout (Atractoscion nobilis) — Sciaenidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Tomascastelazo (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Seatrout (Atractoscion nobilis) — Sciaenidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Tomascastelazo (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Seatrout (Atractoscion nobilis) — Sciaenidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Stickpen (Public domain)
Seatrout (Atractoscion nobilis) — Sciaenidae — 5
bhodder (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
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All data

Identification

English name
Seatrout verified
Scientific name
Atractoscion nobilis
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
White weakfish; White seabass verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
166.0 verified
Average length (cm)
100.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
122.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific off North America; rocky bottoms, kelp forests and surf zone. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes such as anchovy and sardine, and squid sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
20.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large croaker (>1 m) of kelp forests; drums with its swim bladder; important sport and food fish. 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 Atractoscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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