Half-mourning croaker (Paranibea semiluctuosa)

Latin name

Paranibea semiluctuosa

Other name

Paranibea semiluctuosa

Identification

The semi-mourning croaker has a broad body more than three times the standard length, a rounded dorsal profile and a slightly drooping mouth with thick warty lips. All teeth on the lower jaw are of equal size. The swim bladder is carrot-shaped and has branched ramifications along its entire length on each side, with a pair of ramifications in front passing through the transverse septum. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has a shallow notch with 9 or 10 spines anterior to the notch and 1 spike and 27 to 31 soft rays posterior to the notch. The anal fin is supported by 2 spines and 7 or 8 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

Colour dark with numerous thin, sinuous black stripes, anal and pelvic fins darker than the rest.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-West Pacific, where it can be found in Iran and Pakistan, east of northern Myanmar, it has been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, but records from further east require verification. 

Habitat

A tropical marine benthic species. 

Size

The maximum published total length of this species is 40 cm, although 30 cm is more typical.

Behavior

Half-mourning croakers are found on muddy bottoms in coastal waters, although they have been recorded on sandy bottoms in Bangladesh.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds initially on micro-plankton, later on algae, small invertebrates and weedy small fish.

Reproduction

Producers mature in 2-3 years. Spawning is batch spawning; fecundity is 5-500 thousand pelagic eggs. The incubation period is 20 hours (at a water temperature of 22°C), after 2-3 days the fry begin to swim. 

Fishing

It is commonly caught in commercial fisheries, particularly in West India, and is also used as by-catch. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Harvested fish is sold fresh or preserved by drying or salting.