How to Identify Whitemouth Croaker

To identify Whitemouth Croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically silvery-grey to brownish, fading to a lighter, silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are often dusky. The inside of the mouth is distinctly white.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Prominent mental barbel on the chin, often with a pore at its tip., A series of small pores along the lower jaw., White lining of the mouth cavity., Two dorsal fins, deeply notched., Caudal fin typically rhomboidal or S-shaped in adults.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins, deeply notched; the first dorsal fin has 10-11 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 26-30 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rhomboidal to S-shaped in adults, slightly emarginate in juveniles.

Pectoral fin

Moderately long, reaching to or slightly beyond the tip of the pelvic fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth Coloration

   The most reliable field mark is the distinctly white lining of the mouth cavity, which contrasts with the darker exterior.

2. 2

   Mental Barbel

   Presence of a single, prominent barbel on the chin, often with a small pore at its tip.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Color

   Elongated, moderately compressed body with a silvery-grey to brownish dorsal surface and lighter belly.

4. 4

   Fin Count

   Count the spines and rays in the dorsal and anal fins (D1 X-XI, D2 I, 26-30; A II, 7-8) for definitive identification.

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