Menticirrhus ophicephalus (Jenyns, 1840)
Snakehead kingcroaker
Menticirrhus ophicephalus
photo by FAO

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  45 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Ecuador and Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-22; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-9
Biology:  Found in coastal waters and bays (Ref. 9118). Feeds on polychaetes, crustaceans, and mollusks (Ref. 9118). Common in local markets (Ref. 9118).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 January 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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