Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth weakfish (Cynoscion leiarchus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 91 cm.
North America: Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Grenada, Guyana, Curaçao I. and others
Description
The smooth weakfish is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic, off South America. The species grows to about 90 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a large, toothed mouth. As a bottom-oriented predator it lives in schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and river mouths and hunts fish and shrimp; it drums with its swim bladder. It is an important food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth weakfish?
The Smooth weakfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Smooth weakfish live?
The Smooth weakfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Grenada, Guyana, Curaçao I. and others
How big does the Smooth weakfish get?
The Smooth weakfish grows to a maximum of about 91 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Smooth weakfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth weakfish 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 Smooth weakfish edible?
Yes, the Smooth weakfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynoscion
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth weakfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth weakfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.