Species diversity and distribution of croakers (Acanthuriformes: Sciaenidae) from Indian waters: Insights from a comprehensive survey

Sangeetha, A T and Nair, Rekha J and Vishnupriya, K M (2026) Species diversity and distribution of croakers (Acanthuriformes: Sciaenidae) from Indian waters: Insights from a comprehensive survey. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, 68 (1). pp. 57-73. ISSN 2321-7898

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Abstract

The family Sciaenidae, commonly known as croakers or drums, represents a diverse and ecologically significant group of demersal marine and estuarine fishes found primarily in the tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Taxonomic information on sciaenids in Indian waters remains limited since the comprehensive work of Lal Mohan (1981), who described 30 species from 14 genera. An ichthyofaunal survey conducted from 2020 to 2023 across selected marine and estuarine habitats revealed the presence of 27 sciaenid species in 14 genera (i.e., Otolithes, Johnius, Daysciaena, Kathala, Nibea, Pennahia, Otolithoides, Protonibea, Pterotolithus, Panna, Atrobucca, Chrysochir, Macrospinosa, and Dendrophysa). Among the sciaenid genera, Johnius was the most speciose, indicating a high degree of diversification within this lineage in Indian waters. This survey provides valuable baseline data and contributes to the broader understanding of sciaenid diversity in the region.

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