Latin name

Larimichthys crocea

Other names

Yellow croaker, croceine croaker.

Identification

The caudal peduncle is rather slender, its length more than 3 times its height. The scales are relatively small, with 8-9 rows of scales between the base of the dorsal fin and the lateral line. The anterior and posterior branches of the lower ventral branch of the lateral branch of the swim bladder are long and of equal size. There are usually 25-26 vertebrae.

Features of fish fins

Have a dorsal fin supported by 9 or 10 spines and 30 to 35 soft rays. The anal fin is supported by 2 spines and 7 to 9, usually 8, soft rays. The soft rays are mostly covered with scales. The second barb of the anal fin is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the eye.

Fish colouring

The body is golden when fresh. The back of the pectoral fin is not black. 

Distribution

Occurs in the coastal seas of East Asia from western Japan and Korea to the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, Taiwan Strait and northern South China Sea. 

Habitat

Marine, brackish, benthopelagic, oceanodromous species. Depth range 0 to 120 m. Temperate climate: 38°N to 13°N, 106°E to 141°E. Usually inhabits temperate coastal waters, often in brackish estuaries, and occurs on silty-sandy bottoms.

Size

Maximum recorded length for this species is 80 cm (31 inches). Maximum recorded weight: 243.60 g. Maximum recorded age: 6 years.

Behavior

Can make quacking sounds like all croakers.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on crustaceans and fish.

Reproduction

Capable of spawning almost all year round by both females and males. Two spawning peaks, spring and autumn, were found in March-May and November for females and April-June and October-November for males. The minimum size at sexual maturity was 160 mm for females and 112 mm for males. Dimensions at 50% maturity were 187.2 mm for females and 150.2 mm for males. 

Fishing

Commercial fish.

Relationship with a person

In China, this species is cultivated in aquafarms.