Jamaica weakfish
📖 Overview
Found over sand or mud bottoms from the coastline to about 60 m depth ; rarely in waters with a depth of less than 18 m . Juveniles inhabit river estuaries . Oviparous, with high fecundity . Feed on fishes and crustaceans like crabs and shrimps . Important food fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 27; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9. Colour greyish above, silvery below. Without conspicuous spots, but with faint dark streaks along scale rows above lateral line. Pectoral-fin bases and upper rays slightly dark, pelvic and anal fins often yellowish, dorsal and caudal fins dusky with darker margin. Inside opercle darkish visible externally. Mouth large, oblique, lower jaw slightly projecting. Upper jaw with a pair of large canine-like teeth at tip. Chin without barbel or pores, snout with only 2 marginal pores. Gas bladder with a pair of horn-like anterior appendages. Sagitta (large earstone) moderately broad and thick, Lapillus (small earstone rudimentary. Scales large. Soft portion of dorsal-fin base covered with small scales up to 1/2 of fin height (Ref 51721).: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Jamaica weakfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 1 - 70 m , usually 18 - 55 m . Subtropical; 18°N - 52°S, 83°W - 34°W
🌿 Ecology
fishes and crustaceans like crabs and shrimps (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Jamaica weakfish 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 365 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Jamaica weakfish 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 (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archoscion petranus | Miranda Ribeiro | 1913 | Synonym |
| Otolithus jamaicensis | Vaillant & Bocourt | 1883 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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