Vermiculated Croaker
Corvina Gallinaza, Corvina Vermiculada, China Cococha
(Ophioscion vermicularis)

Vermiculated Croaker, Ophioscion vermicularis: The Vermiculated Croaker is characterized by its overall croaker-like appearance with an elongated body, high arched back, and long straight head profile with an overhanging snout that does not have a barbel.

The coloration is dusky gray with silver reflections, plus distinguishing strong brown lines that follow the scale rows. Both the caudal and dorsal fins have very wide black margins. There is also a yellow line below the pupil of the eye. The fins are dark in color.

A key to identification, the anal fin is uniquely shaped, with a short base and a very strong second spine that is approximately 80 percent of the length of the first of the eight anal rays. The first pelvic ray is also strong. The first dorsal fin has a very long third spine, which is much longer than the second, which in turn is much longer than the very short first spine.

The Vermiculated Croaker has a long tail base and the caudal fin is straight to slightly S-shaped. The Vermiculated Croaker has a set of “nostrils” very close to the eyes and the gill covers are unique, serrated with 15 to 17 short spines. The Vermiculated Croaker is fairly easy to identify but might be confused with the Shortnose Stardrum, Stellifer chrysoleuca (rounded caudal fin, no prominent stripes).

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

It is very rare in Mexican fishing waters with only one documented collection in the literature, made in 1962 at 23 degrees 57 minutes north and 110 degrees 51 minutes west. The Vermiculated Croaker is reported to be common in the coastal waters from Panama to Northern Peru and is omnipresent in the local Panamanian fish markets. It is found over sandy muddy bottoms in the first 60 feet of the coastal water column and reaches a maximum length of 14 inches.

The Vermiculated Croaker is a member of the Sciaenidae family, a group of croakers or drums caught from the surf.

Vermiculated Croaker Photo 1

Vermiculated Croaker, Ophioscion vermicularis: Caught while fishing from shore, midday, August 2005, in 74-degree water, using 15-pound test with a fish finder rig, main line, 1-ounce barrel sinker, swivel, and Mustad 92553 hook, size #4, on cut squid, at Km. 65 (Trailer Park) between Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Size approximately 10 inches. Description and photo courtesy John Snow. Species identification courtesy of Dr. Ross Robertson.

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