Species: Cynoscion similis, Tonkin Weakfish

Cynoscion similis Randall & Cervigón, 1968

Tonkin Weakfish

Elongate, fusiform, compressed, oval cross-section; head low, not spongy on top; eye moderate; mouth large, oblique, lower jaw slightly projecting, lower jaw with rounded end reaching under rear edge of eye; teeth in multiple rows with 1-2 large canines at tip of upper jaw, inner row of teeth on lower jaw close-set, middle teeth stronger; gill rakers short (< filaments), 9-12; no pores or barbels on chin; 2 pores on side of snout; margin of preopercle smooth; top corner of gill opening notched; dorsal rays X + I, 24-28; anal rays II, weak spines, 8-10; pectoral fins slightly > pelvic fins, usually 18; rear margin of tail straight to slightly concave; scales on body large and rough, equal to or larger than lateral line scales; soft dorsal with 1-2 rows of small scales along its base; lateral line arched anteriorly and straight well before level of anus, extends to the center of the end of the tail fin.

Body silvery grey above, silvery below; back with oblique dotted lines along scale rows; spinous dorsal fin margin dark; pectoral and anal fins black; inside operculum black, visible externally.

Size: reaches 60 cm.

Inhabits shallow coastal sand and mud bottoms.

Depth: 1-125 m.

Colombia to northern Brazil.