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Atlantic Wreckfish

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Polyprion americanus

Também conhecido como: Wreckfish, Stone Bass, Garoupa, Cherne, Bass Groper

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Descrição

Polyprion americanus, commonly known as the Atlantic Wreckfish or Cherne-Poveiro, is a large, demersal marine fish belonging to the family Polyprionidae. It is a robust, deep-bodied fish characterized by its large head, prominent lower jaw, and a single, deeply notched dorsal fin. This species is highly valued in commercial fisheries and is known for its solitary nature as an adult, often inhabiting caves, wrecks, and rocky crevices in deep waters.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
compressed
Coloração
Adults are typically dark grey to brownish-black on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter grey or whitish on the ventral side. Juveniles are often mottled brown with irregular white or yellowish blotches, providing camouflage.
Tipo de escama
ctenoid
Posição da boca
terminal
Características distintivas
Large head with a prominent, robust lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw., Large eyes, adapted for low light conditions., A single, deeply notched dorsal fin, with strong, sharp spines anteriorly and softer rays posteriorly., Strong, ctenoid scales covering the body., A large, powerful caudal fin (tail).
Nadadeira dorsal
Single, deeply notched dorsal fin with 10-12 strong spines and 11-13 soft rays.
Nadadeira caudal
Large, truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
Nadadeira peitoral
Large and rounded, positioned relatively low on the body.
Nadadeiras características
Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins, with one spine and five soft rays. Anal fin has 3 spines and 8-10 soft rays.

Dicas de identificação

Dorsal Fin

Look for the single, deeply notched dorsal fin with prominent, strong spines in the anterior portion.

Jaw Structure

The lower jaw is distinctly prominent, extending beyond the upper jaw.

Body Shape and Coloration

Robust, deep-bodied fish with a dark grey to brownish-black back and lighter belly. Juveniles have distinctive mottled patterns.

Habitat

If encountered in its natural environment, its association with deep-water rocky structures, caves, and wrecks is a strong indicator.

Habitat

Tipo de água
saltwater
Profundidade
Typically found in depths ranging from 100 to 1000 meters (330 to 3300 feet), though juveniles can be found in shallower waters, sometimes associated with floating debris.
Ambiente
Demersal, inhabiting rocky bottoms, submarine caves, canyons, seamounts, and shipwrecks. Adults are solitary and territorial.
Distribuição geográfica
Widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean, including the western Atlantic from Newfoundland to Argentina, and the eastern Atlantic from Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. Also found in the Indian Ocean (e.g., off South Africa) and the Pacific Ocean (e.g., off New Zealand and Australia, though some populations there may be distinct species like Polyprion oxygeneios).

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: expert
  • Temperamento: aggressive
  • Alimentação: carnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not suitable for home aquaria due to its large size and deep-water requirements. Public aquariums may house very large specimens in specialized exhibits.
  • Temperatura: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
  • Nível de pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Dureza da água: High (marine salinity)
  • Compatibilidade: Not compatible with other fish in an aquarium setting due to its predatory nature and large size. Only suitable for species-specific, very large public aquarium exhibits.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires extremely large, deep-water tanks with strong filtration and specialized feeding protocols. Not a species for private aquarists.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: vulnerable
  • Sazonalidade: Availability can vary by region due to fishing regulations and seasonal migrations. Generally available year-round in some areas, but often subject to quotas and closed seasons.
  • Preço de mercado: High, varies significantly by region and season.
  • Importância comercial: high
  • Sabor: Mild, rich, and slightly sweet.
  • Textura: Firm, flaky, and moist, with large, white flakes.
  • Métodos de preparo: Grilling, Baking, Pan-searing, Steaming, Frying
  • Valor nutricional: Excellent source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Fatos principais

Deep-Water Dwellerbehavior

Adult Cherne-Poveiro are typically found in deep waters, often over 100 meters, making them challenging to study and fish.

Wreck Associationinteresting

The common name 'Wreckfish' comes from its strong association with shipwrecks, caves, and other underwater structures where it finds shelter and ambushes prey.

Juvenile Driftersbehavior

Juvenile Cherne-Poveiro are pelagic, often found near the surface associated with floating debris, which provides camouflage and protection, before they descend to deeper waters as they mature.

Long Lifespanrecord

This species can live for a considerable time, with individuals recorded living over 60 years, contributing to its vulnerability to overfishing.

Hermaphroditismbehavior

Polyprion americanus is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals mature first as females and later transition to males, although this is not as pronounced or universal as in some other fish species.

Informações de segurança

Manusear com cuidado
  • Nível de segurança: caution
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: edible
  • Observações de manuseio: While not venomous, Polyprion americanus possesses strong, sharp dorsal fin spines that can inflict painful wounds if not handled carefully. Its large size and powerful body can also pose a risk during handling. Anglers should use appropriate gear and exercise caution when landing and unhooking this species.

Espécies similares

Hapuku

Polyprion oxygeneios

P. oxygeneios, found primarily in the Southern Hemisphere (e.g., New Zealand, Australia), is very similar but generally has a more elongated body and a slightly different head profile. Genetic analysis is often required for definitive differentiation in overlapping regions.

Giant Sea Bass

Stereolepis gigas

While also a large, deep-bodied fish, the Giant Sea Bass (found in the Eastern Pacific) has a less prominent lower jaw, a more rounded caudal fin, and typically a different coloration (dark brown to black with lighter mottling, especially in juveniles).

Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus itajara

Goliath Groupers (Atlantic) have a more robust, less compressed body, a rounded caudal fin, and a distinct pattern of dark spots or bars, especially when young. Their dorsal fin is less deeply notched, and their lower jaw is not as prominent as in P. americanus.

Classificação científica

Reino
Animalia
Filo
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordem
Perciformes
Família
Polyprionidae
Gênero
Polyprion
Espécie
Polyprion americanus

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