Family Sciaenidae - croakers

Croakers prefer the shallow coastal and bay waters of tropical and warm temperate waters. Their common names croaker or drum originates from the fact that most species can use their swim bladders to produce sounds. The croakers are an important commercial and sport fishery throughout central and southern California.

White seabass- Atractoscion nobilis

Remarks: Humboldt county is the northern range limit for this species. The only specimen captured in the bay was a juvenile. An important commercial and sport fish in California through Baja California. Forms schools around kelp beds and rocky structures; larger specimens are solitary.

Identification: Lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw. A raised ridge runs down the center of the belly. Coloration is dark brown above, sides silvery and white below. This large croaker may reach 152cm and 41kg.

Range: Alaska to southern Baja; rare north of California.

White croaker- Genyonemus lineatus

Remarks: Small specimens enter the bay during the summer and fall to feed. In north coast waters the white croaker is more common on the continental shelf.

Identification: Twelve to sixteen spines in the first dorsal fin. Most individuals have a dark spot at pectoral fin base. Coloration is silver to brassy above and white below. Maximum size is 41cm but most are less than 30cm.

Range: British Columbia to southern Baja, rare north of California.