The Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)is a special species of fish that belongs to the family Sciaenidae. It is one of the most popular game fish, due to its unique ability to produce croaking sounds by vibrating its swim bladder, a gas-filled organ used for buoyancy.
Best known for the “drumming” sounds it produces using special muscles to vibrate its swim bladder, especially during spawning season, which peaks between July and August. These silvery fish, easily identified by the dark, wavy lines along their back and a deep notch in their dorsal fin, are a favorite target for anglers along the Atlantic coast and Gulf Coast.
Dive into the intriguing world of the Atlantic croaker, a remarkable marine species with unique characteristics.
Appearance
The unique dark spot, located behind their gills, easily identifies the Atlantic croaker, and the wavy lines on its back and upper sides showcase a distinctive pattern that gives it its scientific name ‘undulatus’, meaning wave-like.
The juveniles are silvery and shiny, adults are typically brassy with vertical brown spots. The color varies depending on the environment it inhabits. Silvery croakers are found in clear waters; however, the ones that live in murky or salty water have a darker coloration.
Atlantic Croakers have a small dorsal fin located towards the back of the body and two pelvic fins on the lower part of the body.
Habitat
As the name suggests, the Atlantic croaker is found on the Atlantic coast, from Massachusetts down to the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit saltwater and brackish water environments, such as estuaries, bays, and tidal creeks.
They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms with vegetation, such as eelgrass beds or salt marshes, where they feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Atlantic croakers can tolerate various salinities and temperatures, highly adaptable to changing environmental conditions.
Diet
The Atlantic croaker is an opportunistic feeder, feeding on various prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, and worms.
They thrive in the varying salinity of estuaries, bays, and tidal creeks, preferring muddy or sandy bottoms where they can forage for food.
These croakers use their sense of smell to locate prey, and their protruding chin helps them dig in the sand to uncover buried prey.
Adults have a more diverse diet, feeding on various prey, including crabs, clams, oysters, worms, and small fish such as menhaden and anchovies. They also feed on bottom-dwelling organisms such as sandworms and small crabs.
Reproduction
Atlantic croakers reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years and can live for up to eight years. They typically spawn in the late spring and summer in the coastal waters of the Atlantic. Spawning occurs from February to October, with females releasing vast numbers of eggs.
During spawning, males produce distinctive “drumming” sounds by contracting their swim bladders, which attract females to the spawning site. Females release their eggs into the water, and males simultaneously release their sperm to fertilize them.
Females can produce between 100,000 and 2 million eggs each season. The eggs are buoyant and float to the surface. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and are carried by the currents to settle in shallow, protected nursery habitats such as marshes and estuaries.
Threats
While not currently endangered, Atlantic croaker populations face threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution.
Atlantic croakers are popular among anglers due to their opportunistic feeding behavior and relatively short lifespan. Their highly nutritious meat means they are commercially harvested for their meat, and anglers catch many as bycatch in shrimp trawls.
While commercial fishing is the primary threat to their populations, recreational fishing also contributes to their mortality. Atlantic croakers are used as bait fish to catch other fish, especially spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosis) and crabs.
In addition, habitat loss and degradation due to coastal development and pollution adversely impact their spawning and nursery grounds.
6 Quick Facts About The Atlantic Croaker
- The Atlantic croakers are also known as hardheads, grumblers, or the King Billies.
- It is a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities, making it adaptable to various environments.
- The croaking sound of the Atlantic croaker is produced by its air bladder.
- Atlantic croakers are also known for their long migrations. They move to warmer waters during winter and return to their breeding grounds in the spring.
- Female Atlantic croakers are prolific breeders. A single female can produce up to 150,000 eggs during the spawning season.
- Despite their relatively small size, Atlantic croakers are known to put up a strong fight when hooked, making them a favorite among sport fishermen.
FAQs
Are Atlantic Croakers safe to eat?
Yes, it is safe to eat Atlantic croakers. They are low in fat but high in protein and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, as with any fish, it is important to follow fish advisories and regulations for the specific location where the fish was caught.
What is the unique sound produced by Atlantic croakers, and what is its purpose?
Atlantic croakers are known for producing a unique “croaking” sound, which is created by vibrating their swim bladder with special muscles. This sound can be heard both above and below water and is used by males during the breeding season to attract females and establish territory. The frequency of the croaking sound can also vary depending on the size and age of the fish, with larger individuals producing lower-pitched sounds.
How do Atlantic croakers use their lateral line system to detect prey and navigate in their environment?
Atlantic croakers have a specialized sensory system called the lateral line, which consists of a series of fluid-filled canals along their body. This system allows them to detect vibrations and changes in water pressure, which they use to locate prey and navigate in their environment. The lateral line is also sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity, helping the fish to avoid unfavorable conditions.
What is the economic importance of Atlantic croakers, and how are they used by humans?
Atlantic croakers are an important commercial and recreational fish species, with a high demand for their mild-tasting white meat. They are often caught using trawls, gillnets, and hook-and-line methods and are sold fresh or frozen for human consumption. Additionally, Atlantic croakers are used as bait for other commercially important fish species such as striped bass and bluefish.
What is the fishing season for Atlantic Croakers?
The fishing season varies depending on the location and fishing regulations. In the Mid-Atlantic region, the fishing season for Atlantic croakers typically starts in May and ends in November. However, some states have different regulations and restrictions on the size and number of Atlantic croakers that can be harvested. It is important to check with local fishing authorities for the most up-to-date information on fishing seasons and regulations.
