Atlantic Croaker

Food Quality:

Atlantic Croaker

Avg. Length

8-10in

Avg. Weight

1-3lbs

World Record

8lbs 11oz

FL Record

5lbs 8oz

View Regulations

Scientific Name

Micropogonias undulatus

Common Names

Croaker, Hardhead

Description

The Atlantic Croaker has a coloration ranging from silver with a pinkish hue or silver with a golden hue. Its upper body often has other markings and has a deeply notched dorsal fin. It can also occasionally have bands of color running down its sides. The mouth has a smaller lower jaw with barbels it uses for sensing prey.

Habitat & Behaviour

The Atlantic Croaker can be found around muddy, sandy or shelled bottoms and is a migratory fish, choosing to move in shore in the spring and offshore in the fall. When offshore the Atlantic Croaker can be found near manmade structures such as oil rigs.

Natural Prey

The Adult Croaker subsists on a diet of organic material sometimes called detritus as well as invertebrates and other smaller fish.

Handling Tips

Smaller fish, easily netted. Gill plates semi-sharp.