Gulf weakfish
📖 Overview
Gulf weakfish (Cynoscion othonopterus), first described by Jordan & Gilbert, 1882 is a large fish in the family Sciaenidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 70.00 cm in maximum length and up to 2.400 kg. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is important as a food fish and valued as a game and sport species. As a member of the Sciaenidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 27; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. Silvery, blue gray above, with dark dots on scales; tips of chin dusky; lining of opercle dusky; fins yellowish .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gulf weakfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic. Subtropical; 32°N - 25°N Central Pacific: Gulf of California.
🌿 Ecology
📐 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
"Cynoscion Othonopterus 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 | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 350 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Gulf 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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