Plagioscion squamosissimus

Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840)

Plagioscion squamosissimus

Michael Goulding

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Common names

  • Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
  • Brazil: Pescada, Pescada branca, Cabeça-de-pedra
  • Colombia: Corvina, Curvina, Curvinata, Burra
  • Ecuador: Corvina
  • Peru: Corvina

Summary

The corvina (Plagioscion squamosissimus) is a medium-sized fish (40–100 cm) and one of the most important species within the commercial group known as corvinas in the Amazon. It mainly inhabits environments associated with whitewater rivers and floodplains, where it plays a relevant role as a predator. Although its migration patterns are not fully known, it is often found in schools in river channels and constitutes a fishery resource of great importance in several Amazonian regions.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Teleostei
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Sciaenidae
  • Genus: Plagioscion
  • Taxon category: Species

Distribution

Potential corvina production is estimated at 6,800 tonnes. The main fishing regions correspond to the Estuary (34%), Tocantins (28%), Brazil–Peru–Colombia Border (19%), Lower Amazon (8%), Central Amazon (6%) and Peruvian Amazon (6%). The species shows a local migratory pattern, generally under 100 km, although schools are occasionally observed in the main river channels.

Threat status

Least Concern (LC) IUCN

Reproduction

Spawning may occur during all seasons of the year.

Feeding

Crustacean predator. It lives near the bottom of water bodies, where it feeds mainly on fishes and shrimp.

Habitat

It is found mainly in whitewater rivers and environments associated with Amazonian floodplains. It is a demersal species, associated with the bottom of water bodies.

Uses, management and conservation

The corvina is a second-class commercial species of importance for international markets, including exports outside South America. It constitutes one of the most relevant fishery resources in several regions of the Amazon basin because of its high catch volumes.

References

(Not available)