Small Scale Croaker

Mouth large; upper jaw length 37-44 % of head length, lower jaw length 47- 52 % of head length. Mental pores in 3 pairs, the first close together, united by a crescent-shaped groove just behind symphysis. Teeth differentiated into large and small in both jaws. Second anal spine long, stiff, 42-53 % of head length. Lateral line scales 48-50, 14-17 scale rows above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin, 17 to 23 scale rows below lateral line to origin of anal fin (total 31-39 scale rows). Swim bladder carrot-shaped, with about 22 pairs of arborescent appendages along its sides; the first pair entering head beyond transverse of septum. Sagitta (large earstone) with a tadpole-shaped impression, the tail of which is J-shaped.

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 31; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries (Ref. 9772).

fisheries: commercial