Showing Food Atlantic croaker

General Information

Name

Atlantic croaker

Scientific Name

Micropogonias undulatus

Description

Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is closely related to black drum (Pogonias cromis), silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), spot croaker (Leiostomus xanthurus), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis). They are commonly found in sounds and estuaries from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. The names croaker and drum are descriptive of the noise the fish makes by vibrating strong muscles against its swim bladder, which acts as a resonating chamber, much like a drum. During spawning season (August to December), croakers turn a deep golden color, from this comes the name golden croaker. When full-grown (three to four years), croakers reach between 1-1/2 feet long and 4-5 pounds, but on average are 1/2-2 pounds. They have been used for food by Native Americans, and are found in shell middens.

Primary ID

FOOD00345

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