Small scale croaker
📖 Overview
Small scale croaker (Nibea leptolepis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Sciaenidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 22 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 31; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Mouth large; upper jaw length 37-44 % of head length, lower jaw length 47- 52 % of head length. Mental pores in 3 pairs, the first close together, united by a crescent-shaped groove just behind symphysis. Teeth differentiated into large and small in both jaws. Second anal spine long, stiff, 42-53 % of head length. Lateral line scales 48-50, 14-17 scale rows above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin, 17 to 23 scale rows below lateral line to origin of anal fin (total 31-39 scale rows). Swim bladder carrot-shaped, with about 22 pairs of arborescent appendages along its sides; the first pair entering head beyond transverse of septum. Sagitta (large earstone) with a tadpole-shaped impression, the tail of which is J-shaped.: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Small scale croaker is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Small scale croaker is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Small scale croaker is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic. Tropical Central Pacific: along coasts of northern Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Nibea Leptolepis is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Small scale croaker is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Small scale croaker has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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