Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
Sciaena umbra, commonly known as the Corvina or Brown Meagre, is a demersal fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae. It is characterized by its robust, elongated body, distinctive coloration, and a prominent lateral line. This species is highly valued both commercially and recreationally, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters. It is known for its drumming sounds produced by specialized muscles vibrating against the swim bladder, especially during spawning.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side is typically dark brown to coppery-brown, often with a golden sheen, fading to a lighter, silvery-white on the belly. Fins are generally dark, sometimes with a reddish tint. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- subterminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- High, arched back, Large, prominent scales, A single, long dorsal fin deeply notched, A small barbel on the chin (though less prominent than in some other sciaenids), Large eyes, Oblique mouth
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, long dorsal fin with a deep notch separating the spiny anterior part (X-XI spines) from the soft-rayed posterior part (23-26 soft rays).
- Pinna caudale
- Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Anal fin with 2 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for the robust, elongated body with a high back and the characteristic dark brown to coppery-brown dorsal coloration fading to a silvery belly. The overall dark appearance is a key identifier.
Dorsal Fin
Observe the single, deeply notched dorsal fin, separating the spiny and soft-rayed portions. This is typical for Sciaenidae.
Lateral Line
The lateral line is prominent and curves upwards anteriorly, then runs straight to the caudal fin. It is often darker than the surrounding body.
Mouth and Chin
Note the subterminal mouth and the presence of a small, often inconspicuous, barbel on the chin, which is a characteristic of some sciaenids.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in coastal waters from 5 to 200 meters (16 to 656 feet), most commonly between 15 and 80 meters (49 to 262 feet).
- Ambiente
- Prefers rocky bottoms, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica), and sandy areas near rocky outcrops. Often found in caves, wrecks, and other sheltered structures. Juveniles may inhabit shallower, more protected areas.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Bay of Biscay south to Mauritania, including the Canary Islands. Widespread throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: semi-aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons (1890 liters)
- Temperatura: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other large, robust fish that can tolerate its size and occasional territorial behavior. Avoid small or timid tank mates.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large tank with ample swimming space and plenty of hiding spots among rocks and caves. Excellent filtration is crucial due to its large size and carnivorous diet. Can be sensitive to poor water quality. Not typically recommended for home aquaria due to its size and specific needs.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Spawning typically occurs from late spring to early summer (May-July) in the Mediterranean. Fishing pressure can increase during these periods. Availability in markets may vary seasonally.
- Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region and season, often considered a premium fish.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet
- Consistenza: Flaky, firm, white flesh
- Metodi di cottura: baking, grilling, frying, steaming, poaching
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
Fatti chiave
Drumming Fishbehavior
Sciaena umbra is well-known for its ability to produce drumming or croaking sounds, especially during the breeding season. These sounds are generated by specialized muscles vibrating against the swim bladder and are used for communication, particularly in courtship.
Habitat Preferencebehavior
This species shows a strong preference for rocky habitats and seagrass meadows, often seeking shelter in caves, crevices, and shipwrecks during the day, becoming more active at dusk and dawn.
Longevityinteresting
Corvina can live for a considerable period, with individuals recorded to reach ages of up to 21 years, though average lifespan is typically shorter.
Nocturnal Foragerbehavior
While often observed during the day, Sciaena umbra is primarily a nocturnal or crepuscular feeder, preying on benthic invertebrates and small fish under the cover of darkness.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The spines are not venomous.
Specie simili
Meagre
Argyrosomus regius
Argyrosomus regius (Meagre) is generally much larger, has a more silvery body coloration, and a less pronounced hump on its back. Its mouth is more terminal, and it lacks the distinct dark coloration of Sciaena umbra.
Shi drum
Umbrina cirrosa
Umbrina cirrosa (Shi drum) has a more elongated body, a more prominent and fleshy barbel on its chin, and often exhibits oblique dark stripes on its flanks. Its coloration is typically lighter, more silvery-grey.
Black Umber
Umbrina canariensis
Umbrina canariensis (Black Umber) is similar in shape but generally has a more uniform dark grey to black coloration and a more distinct chin barbel. Its geographic range is primarily in the Atlantic.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Acanthuriformes
- Famiglia
- Sciaenidae
- Genere
- Sciaena
- Specie
- umbra
Esplora Corvina
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.