Shortfin weakfish
📖 Overview
Shortfin weakfish (Cynoscion parvipinnis), first described by Ayres, 1861 is a large fish in the family Sciaenidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 69.00 cm in maximum length and up to 3.200 kg. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Subtropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.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
: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Shortfin weakfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Subtropical; 34°N - 21°N, 118°W - 108°W north of Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes (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
"Shortfin 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 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 348 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Shortfin 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Corvina · Croaker · shortfin corvina · Shortfin Weakfish |
| 🌍CES | smuha krátkoploutvá |
| 🇫🇷French | Acoupa Magdalène |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Corvina-truta |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Короткопёрая корвина |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | corvina aleta corta · Corvina Azul |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otholithes magdalenae | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Otolithus magdalenae | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 35 records indexed .
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