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Peruvian banded croaker (Paralonchurus peruanus) — Sciaenidae

Peruvian banded croaker

Paralonchurus peruanus
Family: Sciaenidae

The Peruvian banded croaker (Paralonchurus peruanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Peruvian banded croaker is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific off Peru and Chile. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body, small barbels under the chin and a large swim bladder with which it makes a drumming sound. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for worms, small crustaceans and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Peruvian banded croaker?

The Peruvian banded croaker has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Peruvian banded croaker live?

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

How big does the Peruvian banded croaker get?

The Peruvian banded croaker grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Peruvian banded croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Peruvian banded 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 Peruvian banded croaker edible?

Yes, the Peruvian banded croaker is commonly eaten.

More photos

Peruvian banded croaker (Paralonchurus peruanus) — Sciaenidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) smithsonian_marinegeo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Peruvian banded croaker (Paralonchurus peruanus) — Sciaenidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) capacoscar, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Peruvian banded croaker (Paralonchurus peruanus) — Sciaenidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Raúl Ebbinghaus, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Peruvian banded croaker sourced
Scientific name
Paralonchurus peruanus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Coco croaker; Croaker; Peruvian banded croaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51 verified
Average length (cm)
30 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10 verified
Natural range
South America: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru 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 Paralonchurus

More from the family Sciaenidae

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