California kingcroaker (Menticirrhus undulatus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States.
Scientific name: Menticirrhus undulatus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 71 cm
The California kingcroaker is a demersal sciaenid that occurs along sandy shores and in bays, usually in the sandy surf of exposed outer coast, and it is usually found in small groups while larger fish are more solitary. It feeds on sand crabs, other small crustaceans and worms, it is a pelagic spawner, and it cannot produce croaking sounds because it lacks an air bladder. It is considered a good food fish and is common in markets. Maximum length is about 71 cm total length, and it can live eight years. It is a commercial species and a gamefish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is low to moderate at 34 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as data deficient.
Back to home · United States · Species library