Atractoscion aequidens (Cuvier, 1830)
Geelbeck croaker
photo by Chao, N.L.

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  130 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 25 kg
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 15 - 200 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: off Mozambique and South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-32; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Body silvery (Ref. 4373).
Biology:  Found in coastal waters, over sand muddy bottom. Juveniles enter estuaries. Adults feed on pelagic fishes at night. Often caught with Umbrina canariensis. Feeds on pelagic fish such as mackerel and horse mackerel (Ref. 36731). Marketed fresh, flesh highly esteemed (Ref. 9772).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 25 September 2018 (A2b) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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