Castaneta
📖 Overview
Castaneta (Nemadactylus bergi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cheilodactylidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 39.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12 - 15; Vertebrae: 34 - 36. 10th ray of pectoral fin elongated .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Castaneta is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Subtropical; 21°S - 57°S, 76°W - 41°W Southeast Pacific: Bahia Mansa, Chile.
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Castaneta 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 | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 381 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Castaneta 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Atlantic Morwong · Breca · Castaneta |
| 🌍CES | morvong Bergův |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Bergs morwong |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Morwong-do-Atlântico |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Papamoscas |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheilodactylus bergi | Norman | 1937 | Synonym |
| Sciaenoides bergi | Norman | 1937 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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