Argentinian sandperch
📖 Overview
Found on rocky and sandy bottoms in coastal waters . Oviparous with low batch fecundity . "We frequently catch P. semifasciata off the Rio de Janeiro coast. I have personally seen fish of 24 kg, with fish in the 12-18 kg range being fairly common (Capt. Eduardo Baumeier, pers. comm., 2001)." Ref. 27569 gave 10 kg as maximum weight.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 27; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 22 - 24. Body pale brown with several dark brown vertical and horizontal stripes composed of dark brown blotches. A row of dark brown blotches on middle of dorsal fin membrane. An obvious black blotch on base of upper lobe of caudal fin .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Argentinian sandperch is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; non-migratory; depth range ? - 100 m . Subtropical; 23°S - 48°S, 68°W - 41°W Southwest Atlantic: Sao Paulo, Brazil to Golfo San Jorge, Argentina.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 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
"Argentinian sandperch 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 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 323 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Argentinian sandperch 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mugiloides somnambula | Berg | 1895 | Synonym |
| Percis semifasciata | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Pinguipes somnambula | Berg | 1895 | Synonym |
| Pinguipes somunambula | Berg | 1895 | Synonym |
| Pseudopercis somnambula | Berg | 1895 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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