How to Identify African Croaker

To identify African Croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally silvery-grey to brownish on the dorsal side, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are often dusky or yellowish. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, oblique mouth extending to below the posterior margin of the eye., A pair of prominent canine-like teeth at the tip of the lower jaw., A large, well-developed swim bladder capable of producing drumming sounds., Lateral line scales number 50-55., Preopercle margin is smooth or finely serrated.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins, deeply notched; the first dorsal fin has 9-11 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 27-31 soft rays.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is rhomboidal or S-shaped in adults.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively long, reaching 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 and Teeth

   Look for the large, oblique mouth and the distinctive pair of canine-like teeth at the front of the lower jaw. This is a key differentiator from some other croaker species.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin Shape

   The rhomboidal or S-shaped caudal fin in adults is a good indicator. Some other croakers have more truncate or emarginate tails.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   Count the scales along the lateral line (50-55) if possible, as this can help distinguish it from closely related species with different scale counts.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin Ray Count

   The number of soft rays in the second dorsal fin (27-31) is a reliable meristic character for identification.

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