Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate and moderately compressed; color silvery to golden; irregular streaks on upper body formed by spots on scales; mouth subterminal; 3-5 pairs of small barbels on chin, many times worn away; dorsal fin with deep notch; tail is double emarginate (concave above and below), with longest rays just below middle of tail fin; lateral line extends onto caudal fin. |
Similar Species |
Spots don't have the golden color, body is deeper, have a dark spot on their shoulder, tail is truncate to emarginate. |
Habitat |
Bay and Gulf, sandy and muddy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
61 cm (24 in), common to 30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XI,24-26; A. II,10-11 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
croaker; golden croaker |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
The most common bottom-dwelling estuarine species. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |