Latin name

Larimichthys polyactis

Other name

Small yellow croaker, little yellow croaker, yellow corvina.

Identification

Phylogenomic studies indicate this species emerged from the same common ancestor of L. crocea around 25.4 million years ago.

The body shape of the red-lip croaker is almost rectangular. It has two hard, pale, white bones in its head that help keep it balanced as it swims. These fish can make noise by moving their air bladder. Vertebrae: 28-30. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 31 - 36; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10.

Fish colouring

These fish have red lips, gray-golden body, golden belly and pale yellow fins. The inside of the mouth is white and the gill slit is black. 

Distribution

Widespread in the western Pacific, usually in temperate waters such as the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea.

Habitat

Subtropical marine benthopelagic species. They stay in shallow waters above 120 m, avoiding brackish waters. Usually found where the seafloor is covered with sand or mud.

Size

Males can reach 42 cm, while the total length is about 30 cm. Maximum reported weight is 189.80 g. Maximum reported age is 23 years.

Behavior

Redlip croakers have a habit of jumping out of the water. In winter they move to warmer waters. 

Food and feeding habits

Predators that usually feed on shrimp, zooplankton and sometimes small fish.

Reproduction

The breeding season is from March to June. They typically lay between 30,000 and 70,000 eggs.

Fishing

This fish was once abundant off the coasts of China, Korea, and Japan, but its population declined in the 1970s due to overfishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. It is used in Chinese medicine. Salted and dried fish is a food product known as gulbi in Korean.