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California corbina (Menticirrhus undulatus) — Sciaenidae

California corbina

Menticirrhus undulatus
Family: Sciaenidae
DD · Data Deficient

The California corbina (Menticirrhus undulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 71 cm.

Length
71 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–14.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The California corbina is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 71 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with an inferior mouth and a short chin barbel. It occurs along sandy shores and in bays, often in the sandy surf of exposed coasts. As a bottom searcher it roots in the sand for sand crabs, shrimps, worms and small shellfish. The California corbina is a popular surf-fishing target. Owing to limited data on its population the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the California corbina?

The California corbina has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the California corbina live?

The California corbina lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the California corbina get?

The California corbina grows to a maximum of about 71 cm.

Is the California corbina dangerous to humans?

No, the California corbina is harmless to humans.

Is the California corbina edible?

Yes, the California corbina is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Californische ombervis sourced
English name
California corbina verified
Scientific name
Menticirrhus undulatus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
California corbina; California kingcroaker; Corbina; Kingfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
71.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
14.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
8.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Menticirrhus

More from the family Sciaenidae

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