Corvina

Descrizione

Argyrosomus regius, commonly known as Corvina or Meagre, is a large sciaenid fish highly valued for its flesh and increasingly important in aquaculture. It is characterized by its elongated, robust body and a distinctive golden-bronze coloration, particularly on its flanks. This species is known for its drumming sound produced by specialized muscles vibrating against the swim bladder, especially during spawning.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Dorsal side is typically dark grey to brownish-bronze, fading to silvery-white on the belly. Flanks often exhibit a golden or coppery sheen, especially in live specimens. Fins are generally dusky.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Large, terminal mouth with small, sharp teeth., Prominent lateral line that extends to the caudal fin., A row of small pores along the lower jaw., Large scales., Ability to produce a drumming sound.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; the first is short with 9-10 strong spines, the second is much longer with 1 spine and 26-29 soft rays. A deep notch separates the two.

Pinna caudale

Truncate to slightly emarginate (straight or slightly indented).

Pinna pettorale

Relatively long and pointed, reaching beyond the tip of the pelvic fins.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin has 2 spines and 7-8 soft rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Habitat

Tipo di acqua

saltwater

Profondità

Typically found from nearshore waters down to about 300 meters (984 feet), but most commonly in shallower coastal areas (15-100m).

Ambiente

Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often near estuaries, river mouths, and coastal lagoons. Can tolerate a wide range of salinities, entering brackish waters. Forms schools, especially during spawning.

Areale geografico

Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the English Channel south to Senegal, including the Canary Islands. Also widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Has been recorded in the Red Sea via the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration).

Informazioni sull'acquario

• Livello di cura: expert
• Temperamento: aggressive
• Dieta: carnivore
• Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria due to large size and specific environmental needs. Requires very large, specialized public aquarium or research facility tanks (thousands of gallons).
• Temperatura: 16-22°C (61-72°F)
• Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
• Durezza: High (marine salinity)
• Compatibilità: Not compatible with most other species due to its predatory nature and size. Best kept in species-specific exhibits or with very large, robust fish.
• Requisiti speciali: Requires extremely large volumes of well-filtered, oxygenated marine water. Mimicking natural schooling behavior and providing ample swimming space is crucial. Not a typical aquarium fish.

Informazioni in natura

• Stato di conservazione: least concern
• Stagionalità: Spawning season typically occurs from April to July in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, influencing fishing patterns. Available year-round through aquaculture.
• Prezzo di mercato: High, especially for wild-caught specimens. Aquaculture has increased availability and stabilized prices.
• Importanza commerciale: high
• Sapore: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet, often compared to sea bass or snapper.
• Consistenza: Firm, flaky, white flesh with a good fat content.
• Metodi di cottura: Grilling, Baking, Pan-frying, Steaming, Sashimi (high quality, fresh specimens)
• Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium).

Fatti chiave

Specie simili

Classificazione scientifica

Regno

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordine

Acanthuriformes

Famiglia

Sciaenidae

Genere

Argyrosomus

Specie

regius

Esplora Corvina