Common Name
Parona Leatherjacket
Year Described
Jenyns, 1841
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 5-6 spines in first lobe, followed by I, 33
Anal Fin: 2 spines separate from rest, followed by I, 33-41
Pelvic Fin: absent
Gill Rakers:
Vertebrae: 27 total
Diamond-shaped and deep-bodied with a small head and eye. Mouth large, the jaw extending well past posterior margin of eye. Pectoral fin much smaller than head. Spines of first dorsal fin short, with the first one directed anteriorly and embedded in large fish. Anterior lobes of anal and second dorsal raised. Tail deeply forked. Lateral line with undulating anterior portion with around 10 branches perpendicular to the line. Straight posterior portion without scutes. Small cycloid scales on entire body, including chest. Caudal keels absent.
Color
Dark gray dorsally, silvery below. Dark blotch on upper opercle. Conspicuous oval black spot usually present under pectoral fin. Fins usually dusky to dark.
Size
Common to 40cm. Maximum size to 60cm.
Habitat
Coastal regions in open waters and over soft bottoms.
Range
Southwest Atlantic: S. Brazil to S. Argentina
References
Cousseau, B. and Perrotta, R.G. 1998. Peces marinos de Argentina. Biología, distribución, pesca. Instituto National de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Mar del Plata, Argentina. 163 p.