Queenfish (Croaker) (Seriphus politus)

Latin name

Seriphus politus

Other names

Herring, herring croaker, kingfish, shiner, queen croaker; Spanish: corvina reina.

Identification

The fish has an elongated, moderately compressed body. The upper part of the profile is depressed above the eyes, and it has a large mouth. The coloration is bluish above and silvery below. The fins are yellowish. This species is distinguished from the others by its large mouth, the base of the second dorsal and anal fins, which are approximately equal, and a wide gap between the two dorsal fins. The mandible lacks a chin bar.

Distribution

It occurs along the Pacific coast, from Yaquina Bay, Oregon, to Uncle Sam's Shoal in Baja California, Mexico. It is common in Southern California, but rarely found north of Monterey.

Habitat

In summer, fish usually live in shallow, sandy-bottomed waters. They are mostly found in depths of 4 to 25 feet, but have been known to inhabit depths as deep as 180 feet. They often congregate in dense schools, sometimes together with whitefish, in shallow sandy areas near pilings and piers, and migrate to deeper waters at night.

Size

The maximum length of the fish is 12 inches, but most fish are much smaller.

Life history and Behavior

Spawning occurs along the coast in summer. Eggs float freely, and newly hatched young emerge in late summer and fall. They gradually move toward the shore from a depth of 20-30 feet into the surf zone.

Food and feeding habits

The fish feeds on small, free-swimming crustaceans, crabs, and fish.

Reproduction

No information