Small Jaw Croaker

Snout pointed, projecting in front of upper jaw; mouth small, inferior, slightly oblique; upper jaw length 32-38 % of head length, lower jaw length 34-40 % 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 upper jaw only; a band of villiform teeth in lower jaw. Second anal spine long, stiff, 44 to 57 % of head length. Swim bladder carrot-shaped, with 19-21 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): 29 - 31; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 7

Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and rivers (Ref. 9772). Mainly found in brackish or marine conditions, but sometimes penetrates fresh water (Ref. 44894).

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