Pugjaw wormfish
📖 Overview
Pugjaw wormfish (Cerdale floridana) is a ray-finned fish of the family Microdesmidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 9 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 30 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Pugjaw wormfish is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pugjaw wormfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Pugjaw wormfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Pugjaw wormfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m . Tropical occurs throughout the Caribbean, Florida, Bahamas and Bermuda.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pugjaw wormfish 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 Pugjaw wormfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pugjaw wormfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Pugjaw wormfish |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-lombriga-da-Flórida |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microdesmus floridana | Longley | 1934 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 16 records indexed .
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