Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 44 - 59; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 39 - 47; Vertebrae: 57 - 64. Distinguished by the presence of 3 dorsal and 2 anal fins, a lower jaw that is shorter than the upper, a chin barbel that is no longer than half the eye diameter, and a space between the second and third dorsal fins that is equal to or longer than the eye diameter (Ref. 27547). Lateral line curved in front, ending under the second dorsal fin (Ref. 27547); head with no lateral line pores (Ref. 1371). Expanded parapophyses swollen and hollow, beginning on about the vertebral centrum 9 or 10, containing outpouchings of the swim bladder (Ref. 1371). Second pelvic ray produced; caudal truncate or slightly emarginate (Ref. 27547). Grayish brown above, upper part of sides paler, sometimes with a silvery-violet shading, often mottled with indistinct darker blotches; lower sides and belly yellowish to silver white; fins dusky, dorsal and caudal with white edges (Ref. 27547).

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Gadiformes

Family: Gadidae

Genus: Eleginus

Species: Eleginus gracilis (Tilesius, 1810)

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

Occurs in shallow coastal waters (Ref. 1371). Enters rivers and may go considerable distances upstream, but usually remaining within regions of tidal influence (Ref. 1371, 27547). Adults exhibit seasonal movements: inshore during winter for purposes of spawning and offshore during summer for feeding (Ref. 1371). Juveniles and adults are opportunistic epibenthic feeders; juveniles feed on fish and small benthic crustaceans (Ref. 1371). Taxonomic problems to be solved.

Habitat

freshwater

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

Threat to Humans

Harmless