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Norton's weakfish (Cynoscion nortoni) — Sciaenidae

Norton's weakfish

Cynoscion nortoni
Family: Sciaenidae

The Norton's weakfish (Cynoscion nortoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100–200 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Norton's weakfish is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a large mouth, in many species a pair of large canine teeth, and a swim bladder with which it makes a drumming sound. As a fast predator it hunts small fish and shrimp over sand and in the water column. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Norton's weakfish?

The Norton's weakfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Norton's weakfish live?

The Norton's weakfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador

How big does the Norton's weakfish get?

The Norton's weakfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Norton's weakfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Norton's 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 Norton's weakfish edible?

Yes, the Norton's weakfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Norton's weakfish sourced
Scientific name
Cynoscion nortoni
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
hake weakfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40 verified
Average length (cm)
30 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100 verified
Max depth (m)
200 verified
Natural range
South America: Ecuador sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

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 Cynoscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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