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Black croaker (Plagioscion auratus) — Sciaenidae

Black croaker

Plagioscion auratus
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black croaker (Plagioscion auratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
34.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The golden croaker is a drum (Sciaenidae) from northern South America. The species has an elongate, silvery body with a golden sheen. It occurs mainly in estuaries, where it is rather rare; it shares its habitat with the more common Plagioscion squamosissimus. Like other drums it can make drumming sounds with its swim bladder. As a bottom predator it feeds on small fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black croaker?

The Black croaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Black croaker live?

The Black croaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Black croaker get?

The Black croaker grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Black croaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Black croaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Black croaker edible?

Yes, the Black croaker is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Goudkleurige ombervis sourced
English name
Black croaker verified
Scientific name
Plagioscion auratus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Black curbinata; Rockhead basher verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
34.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Plagioscion

More from the family Sciaenidae

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