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Jamaica weakfish (Cynoscion jamaicensis) — Sciaenidae

Jamaica weakfish

Cynoscion jamaicensis
Family: Sciaenidae

The Jamaica weakfish (Cynoscion jamaicensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 57 cm.

Length
56.9 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
1.0–70.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Jamaica weakfish is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from coastal waters of the western Atlantic, from the Caribbean to Brazil. The species grows to about 35 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a yellowish cast, a large mouth with a few canine teeth and large eyes. As a predator it hunts small fish and shrimp over sand and mud bottoms. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Jamaica weakfish?

The Jamaica weakfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Jamaica weakfish live?

The Jamaica weakfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Jamaica weakfish get?

The Jamaica weakfish grows to a maximum of about 57 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Jamaica weakfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Jamaica weakfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Jamaica weakfish edible?

Yes, the Jamaica weakfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Jamaicaanse ombervis sourced
English name
Jamaica weakfish sourced
Scientific name
Cynoscion jamaicensis
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Jamaica weakfish; Jamaican weakfish; Mongolar drummer; Pan salmon verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
56.9 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
70.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Cynoscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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