Polyprion americanus

Polyprion americanus
Wreckfish – Polyprion americanus
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
PolyprionidaePolyprion americanus(Bloch and Schneider)1801Wreckfish

Polyprion americanus

Unique Characters: Large, oblong, moderately compressed, fairly deep-bodied. Head scaly and spiny between the eyes and on nape, especially rough in young; snout smooth. Mouth terminal, lower jaw projecting strongly, the maxilla-tip broad and completely exposed. Jaw teeth small, no canines, with small teeth in patches on roof of mouth and tongue. Opercle with a distinctive horizontal ridge ending in a short spine, a smaller spine above, but none below the principal spine. Dorsal fin with 11 or 12 strong spines and 11 or 12 soft rays, the 2 parts of the fin moderately notched. Caudal fin truncate (adults) or rounded (juveniles). Pectoral fins nearly symmetrical, shorter than pelvic fins. Pelvic fins inserted below or a little behind the pectoral-fin base. Anal fin with 3 strong spines and 9 or 10 soft rays. Scales small and rough (strongly ctenoid). Lateral line not extending onto caudal fin.

Similar Species: None.

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