380 Croaker 



ing takes place in autumn and winter, probably at sea. 

 This species feeds on small crustaceans and worms and to 

 a lesser extent on small shellfish and fishes. 

 Economic Importance: The Spot is a major species in the 

 commercial fisheries of Chesapeake Bay and the Carolinas. 

 It is a good pan fish and is regularly fished for by the shore 

 and small-boat angler. 



Croaker, Hardhead 

 Micropogon undulatus (Linnaeus) 



Color: Silvery green or gray above; silvery white below; 

 back and sides have brownish oblique wavy bars less 

 distinct in larger fish. 



Distribution: Found from Texas to Cape Cod but not 

 common north of New Jersey. 



Size: The largest fish reported was 20 inches long and 

 weighed slightly over 4 pounds. Most fish taken are less 

 than one foot long and under a pound in weight. 

 General Information: The Croaker is found commonly on 

 shallow sandy shores in summer; and offshore, in deeper 

 waters, in winter. Spawning occurs from late summer 

 through early winter. This species is a bottom feeder and 

 eats small crustaceans, shellfish, and worms. Both sexes 

 are able to produce croaking sounds, whence the name 

 Croaker. There has been a drastic reduction in the abun- 

 dance of Croakers in recent years. 



Economic Importance: The Croaker is important in the 

 commercial fisheries of the Chesapeake region. It is a good 

 pan fish and supports a heavy recreational fishery, particu- 

 larly in the waters of southern New Jersey and in Chesa- 

 peake Bay. 



