Blue Croaker

A distinctive bluish grey in life, with scattered dark spots on back and upper sides. Longitudinal stripes below lateral line. Mouth subterminal, slightly oblique. Chin without barbel but with 5 mental pores. Preopercle margin finely serrate without strong spines. Gas bladder with 2 chambers; anterior one yoke-shaped, without appendages, posterior chamber, carrot-shaped. Lapillus enlarged, more than half size of sagitta (Ref 51721).

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 29; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Mostly restricted to clear, sheltered, shore waters with luxuriant plant growth, usually from 3-10 m depth. Feeds mainly on crustaceans.

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family