Atlantic Croaker
Micropogonias undulatus
(A.K.A. Hardhead)

Key Distinguishing Markings:

• Chin with 3-5 pairs of small barbells and 5 pores.
• Caudal fish double concave.
• Body is elongate and somewhat compressed.
• Dorsal fin deeply notched, with 10 spines in the anterior portion and 1 spine and 26-30 soft rays in the posterior portion.
• Upper dorsal side with numerous brassy spots that from wavy bars (less distinct in large individuals).

Size:

• Maximum adult size is 50 centimeters total length (1.6 feet) in the Chesapeake Bay area.
• This species can live as long as 13 years.

Distribution:

• Found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
• This species is uncommon north of New Jersey.

Habitat:

• Adults found on mud, sand and shell bottoms.
• In Maryland, adult croakers moves up the Chesapeake Bay and coastal estuaries during spring and back toward the ocean in fall.
• Juveniles are found in estuarine and coastal waters from shallow shoals to moderate depths.
• Found in the Chesapeake Bay during spring and summer, mostly concentrated midway up estuary at about 18 ppt salinity.

Food Preference:

• Atlantic croakers are bottom feeders that consume polychaete worms, mollusks, a variety of small crustaceans, and occasionally small fishes.

Spawning:

• First spawning occurs at age 2-3 in continental shelf waters from July through February, with peak spawning from August through October in the Chesapeake Bay area.
• Spawning also occurs off Beaufort, North Carolina near the Outer Banks.

Fishing Tips:

• The recreational season for catching Atlantic croaker is open year round.
• Currently, a 9 inch size limit and 25 fish/person/day creel limit is permitted.
• For current recreational and commercial size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.
• Croaker are most commonly caught bottom fishing with bloodworms, squid strips, peeler crab or soft crab.

Fun Facts:

• Atlantic croaker like the Black drum get their common name from a large and elaborate swim bladder that, by using special muscles, can resonate to produce croaking or drumming sounds.