Menticirrhus undulatus (Girard, 1854)
California kingcroaker
Menticirrhus undulatus
photo by IGFA

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  71 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,900.0 g; max. reported age: 8 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 14 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Peru.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occur along sandy shores and in bays, usually in sandy surfs of exposed outer coast. Usually found in small groups; larger fish are more solitary. Feed on sand crabs, other small crustaceans, and worms (Ref. 9118). Spawning begins in July (Ref. 9118). Pelagic spawners (Ref. 56049). Cannot produce croaking sounds due to lack of air bladder. Considered a good food fish and is common in markets (Ref. 9118).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 23 January 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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