Azurina
Azurina is a genus of fish in the family Sciaenidae, commonly known as drums or croakers. The genus is endemic to the eastern Pacific Ocean, with species found from Baja California, Mexico to Peru. The genus is characterized by its slender, elongate bodies, and silvery or bluish coloration. Azurina species are generally small, with most species reaching a maximum length of less than 30 centimeters (12 inches). They are often found in inshore waters, particularly in sandy and muddy bottoms, and are known to feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
Common Names
Species within the genus Azurina are commonly referred to as "azurinas," "whiting," or "drum." These names may be used interchangeably or with slight variations depending on the specific species and geographic region.
Characteristics
Azurina species share a number of distinct physical characteristics:
- Slender, elongate body
- Silvery or bluish coloration
- Small mouth
- Single dorsal fin with a distinct notch or break
- Two anal fins
- Lateral line extending the length of the body
The genus Azurina is closely related to the genus Cynoscion, with both sharing a number of similar features. The two genera can be differentiated by the presence of a single anal fin in Cynoscion compared to the two anal fins found in Azurina.
Environments
Azurina species are generally found in coastal waters, particularly in sandy or muddy bottoms. They are known to occur in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, bays, and coastal reefs. Some species, such as Azurina hirundo, are commonly found in nearshore waters, while others, like Azurina analis, are known to inhabit deeper waters, up to 200 meters (650 feet) deep.
References
* Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2023). "Azurina" in FishBase. October 2023 version.* Eschmeyer, William N., ed. (2014). Catalog of Fishes. San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences.* Nelson, Joseph S. (2006). Fishes of the World (4th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.