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Corvina-de-linha

Seguro

Menticirrhus americanus

Também conhecido como: Whiting, Southern Kingfish, King Whiting, Carolina Whiting, Gulf Kingfish, Pescada-branca

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Descrição

Menticirrhus americanus, commonly known as the Southern Kingfish or Corvina-de-linha, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae (drums and croakers). It is characterized by its elongated body, subterminal mouth, and a single, short barbel on its chin. This species is a popular target for recreational anglers and is also commercially harvested in some regions. It is known for its excellent eating quality.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
elongated
Coloração
Dorsal surface is typically silvery-gray to brownish, often with faint, oblique dusky bars or blotches that may fade after capture. The ventral surface is silvery-white. Fins are generally dusky, sometimes with yellowish tints.
Tipo de escama
ctenoid
Posição da boca
subterminal
Características distintivas
Elongated body, tapering towards the tail., Subterminal mouth with a thick, fleshy upper lip., A single, short, and stout barbel on the chin, which is often difficult to see without close inspection., Absence of a swim bladder, which is characteristic of the genus Menticirrhus and contributes to its demersal lifestyle., First dorsal fin is tall and triangular, with a long spine.
Nadadeira dorsal
Two dorsal fins; the first is tall and triangular with 10-11 spines (usually 10), the third spine being the longest. The second dorsal fin is long and low with 1 spine and 22-27 soft rays.
Nadadeira caudal
Slightly emarginate to truncate, with the upper lobe often slightly longer than the lower.
Nadadeira peitoral
Moderately long and pointed, reaching beyond the tip of the pelvic fins.
Nadadeiras características
Pelvic fins are thoracic, located below the pectoral fins. Anal fin has 2 spines and 7-9 soft rays.

Dicas de identificação

Chin Barbel

Look for a single, short, and stout barbel on the chin. This is a key distinguishing feature from other croakers, though it can be small and easily overlooked.

Dorsal Fin Spines

Count the spines in the first dorsal fin (usually 10) and note that the third spine is typically the longest, giving it a characteristic triangular shape.

Body Shape and Coloration

Observe the elongated body and the silvery-gray to brownish coloration with faint, oblique bars. The absence of a swim bladder means they do not produce drumming sounds like many other sciaenids.

Absence of Swim Bladder

While not visible externally, the lack of a swim bladder is a defining characteristic of the genus Menticirrhus and explains their bottom-dwelling nature and inability to produce sound.

Habitat

Tipo de água
saltwater
Profundidade
Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surf zone to depths of about 70 meters (230 feet), though most commonly in less than 30 meters.
Ambiente
Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in the surf zone, estuaries, and nearshore coastal areas. They are demersal, spending most of their time near the bottom.
Distribuição geográfica
Western Atlantic Ocean, from the Chesapeake Bay in the United States south to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Its distribution is continuous along the Brazilian coast.

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: expert
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Alimentação: carnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 750 liters
  • Temperatura: 20-26°C
  • Nível de pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Dureza da água: 1.020-1.025 SG
  • Compatibilidade: Generally peaceful with other non-aggressive, similarly sized marine fish. Avoid housing with very small fish or invertebrates that could be seen as prey.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires a large tank with a soft sand substrate for burrowing and foraging. Excellent filtration and stable water parameters are crucial. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to size and specific needs.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: least concern
  • Sazonalidade: Spawning typically occurs from late spring through summer, with peak abundance often observed during these warmer months in coastal waters.
  • Preço de mercado: Varies by region and season, generally moderate.
  • Importância comercial: medium
  • Sabor: Mild, sweet, and delicate flavor.
  • Textura: Flaky, white, and firm flesh.
  • Métodos de preparo: Frying, Baking, Grilling, Steaming
  • Valor nutricional: Good source of lean protein, low in fat, and contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Fatos principais

Bottom Dwellerbehavior

Unlike many other croakers, Menticirrhus americanus lacks a swim bladder, which means it cannot regulate its buoyancy and is therefore strictly a bottom-dwelling fish.

Surf Zone Specialistbehavior

This species is frequently found in the turbulent surf zone, where it uses its keen sense of smell and chin barbel to locate prey buried in the sand.

Dietary Habitsbehavior

Its diet primarily consists of small crustaceans (like shrimp and crabs), polychaete worms, and other benthic invertebrates, which it unearths from the substrate.

Angler's Delightinteresting

Corvina-de-linha is a highly prized game fish for recreational anglers due to its accessibility in coastal areas and its excellent table fare.

Informações de segurança

Seguro
  • Nível de segurança: safe
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: edible
  • Observações de manuseio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pokes. The dorsal spines can be sharp, so care should be taken when unhooking.

Espécies similares

Northern Kingfish

Menticirrhus saxatilis

M. saxatilis typically has more prominent, darker oblique bars on its sides, and the third dorsal spine is usually not as elongated as in M. americanus. The chin barbel in M. saxatilis is often slightly longer and more slender.

Gulf Kingfish

Menticirrhus littoralis

M. littoralis (often referred to as 'Whiting' in some areas) is generally paler, often lacking the distinct bars seen in M. americanus, and has a more silvery appearance. Its first dorsal fin is also typically lower and less pointed.

King Weakfish

Menticirrhus undulatus

Found in the Pacific, not the Atlantic. Has a more pronounced wavy pattern on its sides and a slightly different fin ray count.

Classificação científica

Reino
Animalia
Filo
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordem
Perciformes
Família
Sciaenidae
Gênero
Menticirrhus
Espécie
Menticirrhus americanus

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