Orangemouth Corvina, Orangemouth Weakfish
Corvinata Totoaba
(Cynoscion xanthulus)

Orangemouth Corvina, Cynoscion xanthulus: The Orangemouth Corvina has an overall tan appearance with a silvery belly and a yellow tail. It is characterized by an elongated body, large oblique orange-colored mouth with a projecting lower jaw that reaches the eyes, and two canine teeth on the roof of the mouth.

The Orangemouth Corvina has pointed caudal fins. The Orangemouth Corvina has not been studied extensively and thus little is known about its life history. However it is known that it is a schooling, open-water fish that moves in shore to feed. It is believed to spawn in the spring and summer near river inlets. It is a vicious predator of small fish. This fish species is generally found in the first 75 feet of the water column and is reported to reach just under 4 feet in length and 50 pounds in weight. It is viewed as excellent table fare and sought by both commercial and recreational anglers.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

In Mexican fishing waters the Orangemouth Corvina is found north of Acapulco along the coast of the mainland and throughout the Sea of Cortez. Note: The Orangemouth Corvina was successfully introduced into the Salton Sea in the early 1950’s where it has thrived.

The Orangemouth Corvina might be confused with other croakers, including the Gulf Weakfish, Cynoscion othonopterum, the Shortfin Weakfish, the Totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi, the White Seabass, Atractoscion nobilis, the Yellowmouth Weakfish, Cynoscion squamipinnis, and the Yellowtail Weakfish, Cynoscion stolzmanni, but while these have a similar overall appearance, none has a mouth that is orange.

The Orangemouth Corvina is one of the largest of the croakers or drums from the Sciaenidae family.

Orangemouth Corvina fish picture

Orangemouth Corvina: Caught during fishing at the Salton Sea, California. Note pigmentation of mouth and fins, and pointed tail. The only other corvina family fish with a similar tail is the endangered totoaba. Description and photo courtesy Zack Thomas.

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