Northern spearnose poacher
📖 Overview
Northern spearnose poacher (Agonopsis vulsa), first described by Jordan & Gilbert, 1880 is a medium-sized fish in the family Agonidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 20.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 0 to 163 metres. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Agonidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14. : elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Northern spearnose poacher is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 163 m . Temperate; 72°N - 35°N, 178°W - 120°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Northern spearnose poacher is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Northern spearnose poacher is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Northern spearnose poacher has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agonopsis emmelane | Jordan & Starks | 1895 | Synonym |
| Agonus vulsus | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
| Averruncus emmelane | Jordan & Starks | 1895 | Synonym |
| Ganoideus vulsus | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
| Podothecus vulsus | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
| Stelgis vulsus | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
| Xystes axinophrys | Jordan & Starks | 1895 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Northern spearnose poacher ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.