Croaker

Snout rounded but not swollen or projecting; mouth large, oblique; upper jaw extending backward below posterior half of eye; no barbel on chin; teeth in narrow bands, well differentiated into large and small in both jaws, but none canine-like; gill rakers slender, about half length of gill filaments at angle of arch, 9 to 15 on lower limb. Second anal spine moderately long, 24 to 42 % of head length. Scales on head cycloid (smooth). Swim bladder hammer-shaped, the first pair of arborescent appendages entering head beyond transverse septum and sending a palmate branch to the front of pectoral arch. Sagitta (large earstone) with a tadpole-shaped impression, the head of which has its long axis lying obliquely to that of sagitta and the tail expanded and deepened as a hallow cone connected with the head by narrow groove.

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 32; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. In India, matures at the size of 14 to 16 cm TL; attains an average size of 15.8 cm TL, 20.6 cm TL, and 24 cm TL, at the end of 1 year, 1.5 years and 2 years, respectively. Juvenile feeds mainly on zooplankton (Ref. 13441), and as they grow, show piscivorous tendency (Ref. 9772).

Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. In India, matures at the size of 14 to 16 cm TL; attains an average size of 15.8 cm TL, 20.6 cm TL, and 24 cm TL, at the end of 1 year, 1.5 years and 2 years, respectively. Juveniles prefer crustaceans and as they grow , show piscivorous tendency (Ref. 9772). Marketed fresh and dried salted (Ref. 3490).

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family