Corvina

Scientific Name:
Cilus gilberti (most commonly), also several species within the Sciaenidae family such as Argyrosomus regius and Cynoscion spp.

Vernacular Names:
Es/Sp: Corvina, Pargo corvina, Corbina
Fr/Fr: Corvina, Croaker (generic)
In/En: Corvina, Corvina drum, Sea bass (in some regions)
Pt: Corvina

Local Names:
Chile & Peru: Corvina
Mexico: Corvina
Venezuela: Corvina
USA (Gulf Coast): Corvina, Sea Bass (name used locally)

Commercial Names: Corvina, Corvina drum, Sea bass, Croaker

Simile of International Trade: Widely traded coastal and estuarine fish, valued in culinary markets especially in Latin America and parts of Europe. Regarded as a premium white-fleshed fish.

Fishing Season: Available year-round with regional peaks typically in spring and summer during spawning seasons. Seasonality varies by region and local water temperatures.

Geographical Distribution: Found mostly along the Pacific coast of Central and South America from Panama to Chile (Cilus gilberti), as well as in the Atlantic and Mediterranean with related species (e.g., Argyrosomus regius in Europe and West Africa). Also present in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean with several Cynoscion species called corvina.

Habitat and Biology: Demersal and coastal species inhabiting sandy and muddy bottoms, estuaries, lagoons, and near reefs, generally at depths from 5 to 50 meters.

Length: Ranges broadly depending on species, typically from 40 cm (16 in) up to 2 meters (6.5 ft) for larger species like Argyrosomus regius. Common commercial specimens often weigh between 2 and 30 kg (4.5 to 66 lbs).