Sci·ae·noid a. Zool. Of or pertaining to the Sciaenidae, a family of carnivorous marine fishes which includes the meagre (Sciaena umbra or Sciaena aquila), and fish of the drum and croaker families. The croaker is so called because it may make a croaking noise by use of its bladder; the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus, formerly Micropogon undulatus) and the squeteague are a members of the croaker family, and the kingfish is a drum.
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Croak·er n.
1. One who croaks, murmurs, grumbles, or complains unreasonably; one who habitually forebodes evil.
2. Zool. (a) A small American fish (Micropogon undulatus), of the Atlantic coast. (a) An American fresh-water fish (Aplodinotus grunniens); -- called also drum. (c) The surf fish of California.
Note: ☞ When caught these fishes make a croaking sound; whence the name, which is often corrupted into crocus.
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