Yellowfin Croaker
About
Species: Umbrina (in reference to it's darkened, shady sides) and roncador (a snorer, or to snore -- it is afterall a croaker).
Alternate Names: Golden croaker.
Identification: Has a large, fleshy barbel at the tip of the lower jaw. Their coloring is a blue to grayish-tan on the back, silver overlaid with dark wavey lines on the sides, and bright yellow or golden fins.
Food Value: In the past this was considered a very good eating, mild-flavored fish. Today there are warnings in many areas against eating croakers. They are a bottom feeder and in polluted areas tend to accumulate toxins in their body (because of the food they eat). If you do eat them, it is best to bake or broil them in such a manner that the fats in the flesh will drop away from the meat.
Comments: Yellowfin croaker are attractive fish that reaches a decent size and put up a scrappy battle. By far, the best time to catch yellowfin croaker is around sundown or during the night.
