Fin's Fish Guide
The Law croaker (Pseudotolithus senegallus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 230 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries.
Description
The law croaker is a very large croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching up to about 2.3 metres. The elongate, silvery body has a yellowish tinge and a terminal mouth. Like other drums it can make a loud drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast. As a powerful predator it hunts fish, shrimps, crabs and other crustaceans. It is an important commercial fish and a valued sport fish, but has declined through overfishing; the IUCN assesses it as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Law croaker?
The Law croaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very large, silvery croaker with a yellowish tinge; makes a loud drumming sound with the swim bladder and lives over soft bottoms of coastal waters.
Where does the Law croaker live?
The Law croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries.
How big does the Law croaker get?
The Law croaker grows to a maximum of about 230 cm. On average the species is around 85 cm.
Is the Law croaker dangerous to humans?
No, the Law croaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Law croaker edible?
Yes, the Law croaker is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Law croaker and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudotolithus
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Law croaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Law croaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.