Atlantic Croaker: Micropogonias undulatus

Appearance:

• Atlantic Croaker have an inferior mouth with 3 to 5 pairs of small barbels on the chin
• They have a silver-gray or bronze body with dark oblique wavy bars or lines and are iridescent, especially on their head
• The preopercle is strongly serrated
  
  

Habitat:

These fish are generally found north of Tampa Bay on the west coast and north of Cape Canaveral on the east coast.  Young fish found in estuaries and older fish (2 to 3 years) inhabit deep offshore waters during the winter months and move into bays and estuaries during the spring, summer and fall.

Behavior:

During spawning, Atlantick croakers become bronze or yellow in color.  Spawning apparently occurs offshore in fall. 

State Record:

4 lbs 15 oz, caught near St. Lucie

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Longevity is 2 to 4 years.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles