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Vermiculated croaker (Ophioscion vermicularis) — Sciaenidae

Vermiculated croaker

Ophioscion vermicularis
Family: Sciaenidae

The Vermiculated croaker (Ophioscion vermicularis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Vermiculated croaker is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific around Central America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth; with its swim bladder it makes drumming sounds. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans and small fish. It is locally a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Vermiculated croaker?

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

Where does the Vermiculated croaker live?

The Vermiculated croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru

How big does the Vermiculated croaker get?

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

Is the Vermiculated croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Vermiculated 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.

Is the Vermiculated croaker edible?

Yes, the Vermiculated croaker is commonly eaten.

More photos

Vermiculated croaker (Ophioscion vermicularis) — Sciaenidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) bgmooaz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Vermiculated croaker (Ophioscion vermicularis) — Sciaenidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Eric van den Berghe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Vermiculated croaker sourced
Scientific name
Ophioscion vermicularis
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Wormlined croaker verified

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 sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Ophioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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