Fin's Fish Guide
The Armed croaker (Bairdiella armata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others
Description
The armed croaker is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with stout spines at the front of the dorsal and anal fins and a large swim bladder with which it makes a drumming sound. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud for worms, small crustaceans and small fish. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Armed croaker?
The Armed croaker has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Armed croaker live?
The Armed croaker lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others
How big does the Armed croaker get?
The Armed croaker grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Armed croaker dangerous to humans?
No, the Armed croaker is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bairdiella
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Armed croaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Armed croaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.