Macrodon atricauda (Günther, 1880)
Southern King Weakfish
Macrodon atricauda
photo by Carvalho Filho et al

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  46 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: occurs between the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo and northern Argentina
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-29; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Macrodon atricauda differs from M. ancylodon by the following characteristics: pored lateral line scales 49-63 (vs. 66-78); anal fin soft rays 9-10, rarely 8 (vs. usually 8, occasionally 9); dorsal fin soft rays 27-28, rarely 29 (vs. 28-29, rarely 27); pectoral fin rays 16-17 (vs. 15-16); largest front canines 2.5 to 3.2 in eye length, proportionally smaller and thinner when compared to M. ancylodon (Ref. 88197).
Biology:  This species is heavily exploited throughout its range (Ref. 88197).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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