Fin's Fish Guide
The Ground croaker (Bairdiella ronchus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The ground croaker is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with fine oblique lines and yellowish fins. It occurs in coastal waters over mud and sand bottoms and enters brackish estuaries. As a bottom predator it feeds on small fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans. Drums can make a drumming or croaking sound with their swim bladder. The ground croaker is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ground croaker?
The Ground croaker has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Fine oblique lines; makes a drumming sound with its swim bladder, enters brackish estuaries.
Where does the Ground croaker live?
The Ground croaker lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coastal waters and brackish estuaries.
How big does the Ground croaker get?
The Ground croaker grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Ground croaker dangerous to humans?
No, the Ground croaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ground croaker edible?
Yes, the Ground croaker is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Ground croaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ground croaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.