Home · Sciaenidae · Brown large-eyed croaker
Brown large-eyed croaker (Odontoscion dentex) — Sciaenidae

Brown large-eyed croaker

Odontoscion dentex
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Brown large-eyed croaker (Odontoscion dentex) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The reef croaker is a drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with large eyes and a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin. It inhabits caves, crevices and coral reefs, where by day it shelters solitarily or in small groups. As a nocturnal predator it feeds on small fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans. Drums can make a drumming or croaking sound with their swim bladder. The reef croaker is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown large-eyed croaker?

The Brown large-eyed croaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Brown large-eyed croaker live?

The Brown large-eyed croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Brown large-eyed croaker get?

The Brown large-eyed croaker grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Brown large-eyed croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Brown large-eyed croaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Brown large-eyed croaker edible?

Yes, the Brown large-eyed croaker is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rif-ombervis sourced
English name
Brown large-eyed croaker verified
Scientific name
Odontoscion dentex
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Catfish; Croaker; Reef coraker; Reef Croaker; Reef croaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Average length (cm)
18.0 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
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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 Odontoscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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