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Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) — Sciaenidae

Croaker

Genyonemus lineatus
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
41 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–183.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific, from British Columbia to Baja California.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The white croaker is a drum (Sciaenidae) from the eastern Pacific, from British Columbia to Baja California. The species reaches about 41 cm and has an oblong, silvery body with fine dark lines and a small, inferior mouth. It lives over sandy bottoms of coastal waters to about 180 m deep. The diet consists of polychaete worms, small shrimps, crabs and molluscs. Like many drums it can produce grunting or croaking sounds with its swim bladder. Reproduction is by multiple batches of pelagic eggs. The species is regularly caught as a coastal fish.

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. Makes grunting sounds with the swim bladder; common coastal drum.

Where does the Croaker live?

The Croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Pacific, from British Columbia to Baja California.

How big does the Croaker get?

The Croaker grows to a maximum of about 41 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.

Is the Croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Croaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Croaker edible?

The Croaker is rarely eaten.

More photos

Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) — Sciaenidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) tristanpham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) — Sciaenidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jacob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) — Sciaenidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Jacob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) — Sciaenidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Vince Golder, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Croaker verified
Scientific name
Genyonemus lineatus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
King croaker; Kingfish; King-fish; Roncador; Tomcod; White croaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.0 verified
Average length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
183.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific, from British Columbia to Baja California. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Polychaetes, shrimps, crabs and molluscs sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
15.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Makes grunting sounds with the swim bladder; common coastal drum. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Sciaenidae

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