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Oval croaker (Pennahia ovata) — Sciaenidae

Oval croaker

Pennahia ovata
Family: Sciaenidae

The Oval croaker (Pennahia ovata) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
23.0–62.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India

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Description

The oval croaker is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an oval, silver-grey body and a large swim bladder with which it makes a drumming sound. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for worms, small crustaceans and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oval croaker?

The Oval croaker has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Oval croaker live?

The Oval croaker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India

How big does the Oval croaker get?

The Oval croaker grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Oval croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Oval 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

English name
Oval croaker sourced
Scientific name
Pennahia ovata
Family
Sciaenidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
23.0 verified
Max depth (m)
62.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pennahia

More from the family Sciaenidae

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