California kingcroaker (Menticirrhus undulatus) fish species and information / pictures of California kingcroaker - Menticirrhus undulatus

California kingcroaker (Menticirrhus undulatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Menticirrhus undulatus

Common Name
California kingcroaker

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).

Classification

Classified By
Girard, 1854
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Drums or croakers (Sciaenidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Peru.
Range
34°N -

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
14 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 14 m (Ref. 9118)
Trophic Level
3.34 s.e. 0.50 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
71.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5020 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (34 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=2.5; tmax=8)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Data deficient (DD)