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Pacora (Plagioscion squamosissimus) — Sciaenidae

Pacora

Plagioscion squamosissimus
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pacora (Plagioscion squamosissimus) is a freshwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Plagioscion squamosissimus is a freshwater croaker of the family Sciaenidae from northern South America. The species has a streamlined, silvery body and can reach about 80 cm. It inhabits very diverse habitats and completes its life cycle in both fresh and brackish water. Juveniles eat crustacean larvae, aquatic insects and copepods, while adults are piscivorous. The species is caught mainly during the rainy season and is a valued commercial food fish. Beyond its native range it has been introduced into numerous South American reservoirs.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacora?

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

Where does the Pacora live?

The Pacora lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pacora get?

The Pacora grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.

Is the Pacora dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacora is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacora edible?

Yes, the Pacora is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zuid-Amerikaanse zilverombervis sourced
English name
Pacora verified
Scientific name
Plagioscion squamosissimus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Silver croaker; South American silver croaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

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 Plagioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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