Fin's Fish Guide
The Smith's croaker (Pseudotolithus epipercus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and brackish estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
Smith's croaker is a croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 60 cm. The elongate, silvery-grey body has a yellowish tinge and a terminal mouth. Like other drums it can make a drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and brackish estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates strongly varying salinities. On and above the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for shrimps, small crustaceans, worms and small fish. With its tasty flesh Smith's croaker is a valued commercial fish for the West African coastal fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smith's croaker?
The Smith's croaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery croaker with a yellowish tinge; makes a drumming sound with its swim bladder and enters brackish estuaries.
Where does the Smith's croaker live?
The Smith's croaker lives in both fresh and salt water 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 brackish estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Smith's croaker get?
The Smith's croaker grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Smith's croaker dangerous to humans?
No, the Smith's croaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smith's croaker edible?
Yes, the Smith's croaker is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Smith's croaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smith's croaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.