Argyrosomus regius

Argyrosomus regius, also known as the meagre or croaker, is a species of drum that belongs in the genus Argyrosomus. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean and also the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

Etymology

The specific name regius means "royal".

Classification

Argyrosomus regius was described in 1801 as Perca regia by Ignacio Jordán Claudio de Asso y del Río. Later though, the species name was changed and is now a synonym.

Synonyms

Sciaena aquila Cuvier, 1817
Perca regia Asso, 1801
Argyrosomus regium Asso, 1801
Sciaena regius Asso, 1801
Cheilodipterus aquila Lacepède, 1803
Sciaena aquila Lacepède, 1803
Perca vanloo Risso, 1810
Argyrosomus procerus De la Pylaie, 1835
Johnius hololepidotus Lacepède, 1801

Description

The meagre is a relatively large fish with tiny eyes. It has a body that looks like that of a cod, but with a smaller dorsal fin and a slightly longer body. It can reach up to 2.3 m (7.5 ft) in length and 103 kg (227 lb) in weight. You can easily see the lateral line.

Ecology

Life history

Breeding takes place from May to July. The juveniles leave the estuary and move to coastal waters where they spend the winter months. They go back to the estuary when it is spring from the middle of May. The females produce about 800,000 eggs. When the water temperature is 17–22 °C (63–72 °F), spawning will happen.