Croaker, Golden Croaker, Granier

Found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

This species is uncommon north of New Jersey.

 

Adults found on mud, sand and shell bottoms.

In Maryland, adult croakers moves up the Chesapeake Bay and coastal estuaries during spring and back toward the ocean in fall.

Juveniles are found in estuarine and coastal waters from shallow shoals to moderate depths.

Found in the Chesapeake Bay during spring and summer, mostly concentrated midway up estuary at about 18 ppt salinity.