Large Yellow Croaker
Also known as：Yellow croaker
Larimichthys crocea
- Origin
- Zhoushan, Zhejiang; Ningde, Fujian
- Season
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
- Appearance
- A laterally compressed fish with a golden-yellow body, slender tail peduncle and a fairly large head. Live large yellow croakers are uniformly golden with glistening scales — one of the most iconic commercial fish of the East China Sea.
Content compiled by the Xian Mancang team
Introduction
品种介绍Known in ancient times as the yellow flower fish, the large yellow croaker is one of China's four major marine catches and was long the backbone of East China Sea fisheries. Today, mature aquaculture technology makes the whole process from fry to market fully controllable, ensuring stable supply.
Live large yellow croakers are golden with tender, delicate flesh — distinct from iced or dried forms (salted croaker). A staple of banquets and family tables alike.
Holding Environment
暂养环境Xian Mancang holding advisor: temperature, salinity, water quality and density references per species — feel free to exchange holding experience.
Large yellow croakers prefer low temperature and low salinity seawater. Keep water temperature at 16–20°C, salinity 20–28‰, with clear water and ample dissolved oxygen (≥6 mg/L). Stocking density: 20–40 kg per cubic meter.
A holding period of 3–7 days is recommended; change one third of the water daily and feed sparingly to significantly reduce stress-related mortality. Parameters above are reference values — adjust to actual water quality and season.
Economic Value
经济价值The large yellow croaker carries both culinary and cultural value — its 'abundance year after year' connotation makes it a festive table favorite. Larger sizes command higher prices: fish under 150 g mostly go to foodservice, while 400 g+ fish are used for gift boxes and banquets.
Farmed large yellow croakers are affordable and stable in price, a high-volume category for live-fish wholesale and supermarket retail.
Culinary & Commercial Use
烹饪与商业用途Steaming is the classic home method: clean the live fish, top with ginger and spring onion, steam over high heat for 8 minutes for a tender, delicate result. Braising and dry-cooking are also popular.
Foodservice uses it in whole-fish banquet dishes and live-fish hotpot slices; dried salted croaker is a classic Zhejiang coastal product, delicious steamed and also used to enhance soups.
Buying Guide
选购指南For live fish, look for bright golden color and tightly attached scales; clear eyes and bright red gills indicate high vitality. For iced fish, press the flesh — it should spring back quickly when fresh.
Market Reference
规格行情Reference price: farmed live fish 20–60 CNY/jin depending on size; large gift-box sizes carry a clear premium. Prices fluctuate around holidays (Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn) but remain steady in daily trade.
Large Yellow Croaker · FAQs
How do I pick the freshest Large Yellow Croaker?
For live fish, look for bright golden color and tightly attached scales; clear eyes and bright red gills indicate high vitality. For iced fish, press the flesh — it should spring back quickly when fresh.
What are the live-holding requirements for Large Yellow Croaker?
Large yellow croakers prefer low temperature and low salinity seawater. Keep water temperature at 16–20°C, salinity 20–28‰, with clear water and ample dissolved oxygen (≥6 mg/L). Stocking density: 20–40 kg per cubic meter.
What is the current market price of Large Yellow Croaker?
Reference price: farmed live fish 20–60 CNY/jin depending on size; large gift-box sizes carry a clear premium. Prices fluctuate around holidays (Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn) but remain steady in daily trade.
How do I cook Large Yellow Croaker? What methods work best?
Steaming is the classic home method: clean the live fish, top with ginger and spring onion, steam over high heat for 8 minutes for a tender, delicate result. Braising and dry-cooking are also popular.
Large Yellow Croaker · For stock availability and holding consultation, contact us