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Croaker (Argyrosomus regius) — Sciaenidae

Croaker

Argyrosomus regius
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Croaker (Argyrosomus regius) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 230 cm.

Length
230 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
15.0–300.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Highly prized

Description

The meagre is a large croaker (Sciaenidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The species has an elongate, silvery body with a bronze sheen and can produce loud drumming sounds with its swim bladder. It lives both inshore and over the continental shelf and in the mid and surface layers, near the bottom. As a predator it hunts fishes and crustaceans. It is a highly valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Croaker?

The Croaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Croaker live?

The Croaker lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Croaker get?

The Croaker grows to a maximum of about 230 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.

Is the Croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Croaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Croaker edible?

Yes, the Croaker is a highly prized food fish.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ombervis sourced
English name
Croaker verified
Scientific name
Argyrosomus regius
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Jewfish; Meagre verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
230.0 verified
Average length (cm)
150.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Argyrosomus

More from the family Sciaenidae

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