Other Names: crocus, hardhead, silver weakfish, grumbler
Range & Habitat: The Atlantic croaker is found on the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts southward and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer estuaries and bays through the spring and summer, then travel offshore in the fall to breed.
Identification & Biology: inferior mouth; 3 to 5 pairs of small barbels on chin; silver-gray or bronze body with dark oblique wavy bars or lines; iridescent especially on head; preopercle strongly serrated.
Market Description: Atlantic croaker are found in the western North Atlantic, from Massachusetts to the northern Gulf of Mexico, excluding Florida. They may also occur in the western South Atlantic Ocean. The main source of Atlantic croaker is the United States.Atlantic croaker come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with gillnets and bottom trawls. Additional types of fishing gear include pound nets, haul seines and hand lines.
Habitat: Northeast US Atlantic
Flavor Profile: pink flesh, small flake, sweet subtle flavor
Yield: 25%
Fishing Technique: gillnet, trawl
Special Note: Usually sold dressed
Suitable sub: Spot
Buying Tips: Atlantic croaker is usually sold whole, but can be found in fillets or steaks, fresh or frozen. Croaker can also be referred to as a drum, and has firm, low-fat flesh.
USDA Nutritional Information
Serving = 100 g of raw edible food, wild species.
Amount per serving:
Calories : 104
Total Fat: 3.16 g
Total Protein: 17.7 g
Omega-3: .22 g
Cholesterol: 61 mg
Sodium: 56 mg