Ophioscion imiceps (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882)
Blinkard croaker
Ophioscion imiceps
photo by FAO

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 161.9 g
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Guatemala to northern Ecuador.
Diagnosis:  Body somewhat elongate, moderately compressed, with an arched dorsal profile; snout prominent; mouth small and inferior; lower jaw enclosed by upper; edge of preopercle serrate, with 8 to 10 strong spines at the angle; anal rays 8; lower branch of first gill with 13 to 15 gill rakers; body silvery, back darker; flanks without apparent stripes; fins charcoal gray; upper part of branchial cavity black spotted (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Found in shallow water but not common in estuaries with low salinities (Ref. 9118). Feeds on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 9118).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 January 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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