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Ternetz's croaker (Plagioscion ternetzi) — Sciaenidae

Ternetz's croaker

Plagioscion ternetzi
Family: Sciaenidae

The Ternetz's croaker (Plagioscion ternetzi) is a freshwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 39 cm.

Length
39 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

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Description

The Ternetz's croaker is a freshwater croaker (Sciaenidae) from large rivers, lakes and floodplains of the Parana and Paraguay basins in 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 Ternetz's croaker?

The Ternetz's croaker has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Ternetz's croaker live?

The Ternetz's croaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

How big does the Ternetz's croaker get?

The Ternetz's croaker grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.

Is the Ternetz's croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Ternetz's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ternetz's croaker sourced
Scientific name
Plagioscion ternetzi
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Freshwater croaker sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay 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

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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