Atlantic Croaker x
Latin Name: Micropogonias undulatus
Species: Fish
Conservation Status: S4-5 - Secure
The Atlantic Croaker, a name stemming from the croaking noise they create by flexing their muscles along their swim bladder, are largely important here in the Port Royal Sound. They are silver in color all over, but sometimes have a pinkish-bronze tint. They have narrow dark lines as well as rows of spots on their backs, including on their dorsal fins. They have several spines and barbs along the bone in front of their gills called the preopercle, as well as on their lower jaw located on the inner edge of their mouth. On average they get to about 9 inches long and half a pound in weight.
Range & Habitat
Atlantic Croaker are found along the Atlantic coast and in estuaries from Massachusetts to Florida and northern Gulf of Mexico to Mexico. The mature adults are commonly found along muddy and sandy bottoms, but can also venture out to oyster reefs. The juveniles utilize the low salinity parts of estuaries which are typically muddy bottom habitats and increase to higher salinities as they age. During winter months the Atlantic Croaker hides in deeper channels and tidal rivers of estuaries.
Diet
As an adult they predate on benthic worms, smaller fishes, mobile benthic gastropods or bivalves, such as oysters, clams, mussels. They also eat zooplankton and even crustacea like shrimp and crabs. Juveniles predate on copepods, amphipods, mysid shrimp, worms, and detritus. They have a fairly widespread diet which certainly aids in their survival.
Life History
Atlantic Croaker have a prolonged spawning period that typically lasts from late August to March, but in the southeastern it peaks from September to November. This causes a large yearly fluctuation in population size. While these fish usually stay near the coast they actually move offshore to spawn. They reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years of age, males are typically 5.5 inches at maturity and females are 7 inches. Since they only live on average about 2 years their race to maturity is vital. They are known for local migrations but don’t do long migrations. Since their food supply is mostly associated with the sea floor that’s typically where they are found.
Significance
Atlantic Croaker is a common fish caught for recreational use. It is also hugely used for commercial fisheries. Millions of this species are caught and sold each year in the United States, they are even exported to other countries. This makes the species a huge financial priority as they are so widely used.
Threats & How You Can Help
Overfishing is the only major concern with the Atlantic Croaker at the moment, while their current status is secure that may not always be the case. When heading out to fish be sure to purchase your Saltwater fishing license from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. Be sure that you know all proper guidelines for size and limits before catching and keeping a fish. Keeping a fish that is not the proper size limits their ability to reproduce and can hurt the population numbers.
Additional Resources
https://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/species/atlanticcroaker.html
https://www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/fishing/general-information
https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/caribbean/en/thefishes/species/3794