HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishDrums or croakersSouthern yellow croaker Southern yellow croaker (Larimichthys pamoides) Scientific name: Larimichthys pamoides Munro, 1964 The Southern yellow croaker (Larimichthys pamoides) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae. Native range: Western Central Pacific, along coasts of northwestern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 33-36; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 7. Upper rostral pore median only; mental pores in 3 pairs, the first open at front of chin, separated by symphysis. Gill rakers long, slender, about 1.5 times longer than gill filaments at angle of arch, 13 to 17 on lower limb of first arch. Dorsal fin with IX spines, the second part of fin with I spine and 33 to 36 soft rays. Second spine of anal fin short, slender, 23 to 33 % of head length. Pectoral fin long, 25 to 27 % of standard length. Scales on head and body cycloid (smooth), except the belly and under side of caudal peduncle which are covered with weak ctenoid scales (slightly rough to touch); small scales present on basal quarter of soft parts of dorsal and anal fins. Swim bladder carrot-shaped; with about 26 pairs of arborescent appendages along its sides; each appendage with a well-developed dorsal and ventral limbs, the first pair entering head beyond transversSource: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameLarimichthys pamoidesFamilySciaenidae (Drums or croakers)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length13.5Depth range50 m (164 ft)EnvironmentMarine; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range ? - 50 mClimateTropicalDistributionWestern Central Pacific: along coasts of northwestern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: of no interestResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026