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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
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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.

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.

Is the Vermiculated croaker edible?

Yes, the Vermiculated croaker is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Worm-ombervis sourced
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
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 Ophioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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