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Croaker
(Micropogonias undulatus)
"Hard Heads, King Billies, Grumblers"

Description: Croakers (Sciaenids) have a long dorsal fin reaching nearly to the tail, and a notch between the rays and spines of the dorsal, although the two parts are actually separate. Drums are somberly colored with a lateral line that extends to the tip of the caudal fin (tail fin). The anal fin usually has two spines while the dorsal fins are deeply notched or separate. Most species have a rounded or pointed caudal fin. Atlantic croaker are about 12 inches. Its distinguishing characteristics include three to five pairs of small barbels or "whiskers" on their chins to help them feel for food on the sea floor; inferior mouth (located to the bottom of the head facing the ground), and brown vertical stripes on its sides. Adults are silver with a pinkish cast, while young are silvery and iridescent. Older fish are brassy in color with vertical brown streaks formed by spots that are on their scales.

Similar Fish: Spot

Where Found: They are found worldwide, in both fresh and saltwater. They are small to medium-sized bottom dwelling fishes that live primarily in estuaries, bays, and muddy river banks. Most of these fishes avoid clear waters such as coral reefs and oceanic islands with a few notable exceptions (i.e., Reef Croaker, High-hat, and Spotted Drum). They live in warm-temperate and tropical waters and are best represented in major rivers in S.E. Asia, N.E. South America, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf of California.

Size: Average sizes are a 1/2 to 3 pounds.

USA Record: 5 lb. 31/2 ounces by Catherine Simpson on September 12, 1980, Indian River, DE It was reported that in Louisiana there was an 8 lb. 1980 (angler unknown)

World Record: (no record found)

Bait used: They can be caught on squid, peeler crabs, minnows, silver sides, and jigs.

Tactics to catch: The croaker is more likely to be found in deeper waters during the day and closer to shore during the evening hours.

Climate: (water temperature) Field and laboratory data both indicate that juveniles are more tolerant of lower temperatures than adults. Croaker occurred over a bottom temperature range of 9.0-31.4 degrees C while occurring most abundantly in waters above 24.0 degrees C. No significant correlation between size and temperature was found.

Spawning habits: Croakers sexually mature at about one year old. This varies in accordance to the area of habitation. Spawning season is in the fall, with a peak between August and October. During spawning season, females will release between 100,000 and 2 million eggs, each about 0.35 mm in diameter. After hatching, the larvae (immature stage) drift toward land. They are abundant on soft bottoms, such as mud, where there are large amounts of detritus for them to feed on. Atlantic croakers "croak" by vibrating their swim bladders with special muscles as part of their spawning ritual. A swim bladder is a pocket full of air inside the fish that helps keep it afloat and facing upright. This behavior attracts females. during spawning becomes bronze or yellow in color.

Table food? They are excellent food and sport fishes and are commonly caught by surf and pier fishers.

Consumption Concerns: Atlantic croaker should not be eaten raw because they may pass trematodes (parasites) to humans.

Feeding habits: Invertebrates and smaller fish

Remarks: The drum-like sounds are produced by the beating of abdominal muscles against the swim bladder. you will notice the croaker is especially plentiful during the mid summer months. They are often found in the surf as well as bays, channels, inlets, and most all inland water areas around Assateague, Ocean City and Chincoteague Bay. Atlantic croaker can live up to eight years.

References:
Wikipedia
Fish Base
Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
Picture by: Diane Rome Peebles
Florida division of marine resources website
Florida Sport Fishing Magazine
http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/WWW/macsis/lists/M010250.htm