Whiting vs Croaker: What’s the Difference

Whiting and Croaker look similar but have distinct tastes, textures, and habitat differences. Discover the nuances between these two popular fish in this informative guide.

If you’re a seafood lover, you have encountered whiting and croaker at your local fish market or restaurant. While these two fish may look similar at first glance, they have unique differences in taste, texture, and where they’re typically found. In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances between whiting and croaker to help you make an informed decision next time you’re choosing between the two. So, without any delay, let’s start.

What is whiting? 

Whiting, also known as English Whiting or Merlangius merlangus, is a popular edible fish in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the North Sea to the Bay of Biscay. It is a slender fish with a silver-white body and a slightly elongated shape.

What is Croaker?

Croaker, also called Atlantic Croaker or Micropogonias undulatus, is a species of fish native to the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from New England to the Gulf of Mexico. It is prized for its unique croaking sound, silvery-grey appearance, and delicious, mild-flavoured flesh.

Overview Of whiting vs Croaker

	Whiting	Croaker
Family	Gadidae (Cod family)	Sciaenidae (Drum family)
Appearance	Elongated body with a slightly pointed snout	Deep-bodied fish with a blunt snout
Size	Generally smaller, around 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in length	Typically larger, ranging from 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in length
Colour	Opportunistic feeders consume a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish.	Silver to bronze with a golden sheen
Habitat	Found in coastal waters and estuaries	Primarily inhabits shallow coastal areas and brackish waters
Distribution	Found in North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans	Found along the Atlantic coast of North and South America
Feeding Habits	Carnivorous, feeding on small fish, shrimp, and worms	A popular target for recreational anglers
Fishing Importance	Delicate, mild flavour	Valued for both recreational and commercial fishing
Taste	The sweet and slightly nutty flavor	The sweet and slightly nutty flavour
Culinary Uses	Often baked, grilled, or used in fish chowders	Suitable for various cooking methods, including frying and baking

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Detailed Differences Between Whiting vs Croaker

Whiting and croaker are both types of fish, but they come from different fish and have some distinct differences. Here are some detailed differences between whiting and croaker: 

Family and Taxonomy

Whiting belongs to the family Gadidae, which is part of the Cod family. They are closely related to cod, haddock, and pollock. Croaker belongs to the Sciaenidae family, known as the Drum family. They are related to other drum fish like red drum and black drum.

Body Shape and Appearance

Whiting has an elongated body with a slightly pointed snout. Their streamlined shape makes them well-suited for swimming in open waters. Croaker has a deep-bodied shape with a blunt snout. They have a rounded appearance and are adapted for living near the bottom of the water column.

Size

Whiting are smaller fish with an average length of around 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). On the other hand, Croakers are larger than whiting, ranging from 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in length.

Colouration

Whiting has a silvery or greyish colouration with a dark back and a distinct lateral line running along their sides. Croaker displays a silver to bronze colour with a golden sheen. Their scales may also have darker speckles or spots.

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Habitat

Whiting is found in coastal waters and estuaries, preferring sandy or muddy bottoms. They are often encountered in the surf zone. Croaker primarily inhabits shallow coastal areas, including bays, lagoons, and estuaries. They are often found in brackish waters.

Distribution

Whiting can be found in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They have a wider distribution and are found in various regions worldwide. Croakers are primarily found along the Atlantic coast of North and South America, from the northeastern United States to Brazil.

Feeding Habits

Whiting is carnivorous and primarily feeds on small fish, shrimp, and worms. They are agile predators that pursue their prey in the water column. Croakers are opportunistic feeders and consume a variety of food sources. Their diet includes crustaceans, molluscs, small fish, and occasionally plant matter.

Fishing Importance

Whiting is a popular target for recreational anglers, especially in areas with strong surf fishing traditions. They are also caught commercially for food. Croakers are valued for both recreational and commercial fishing. They are sought after for their good eating qualities and are often targeted by anglers.

Taste and Culinary Uses

Whiting has a delicate, mild flavour. They are often baked, grilled, or used in fish chowders and are considered good table fare. Croaker has a sweet and slightly nutty flavour. They are suitable for various cooking methods, including frying, baking, grilling, and even as whole fish for stuffing.

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Which One is Better?

“I have always been a fan of seafood, and I recently had the opportunity to try both whiting and croaker. In my experience, whiting stood out with its delicate flavour and firm texture. I particularly enjoyed grilling whiting fillets, which brought out their natural sweetness. On the other hand, the croaker offered a unique taste with its slightly nutty flavour and flaky texture. I found that baking croaker with some herbs and lemon created a delightful dish. Growing up near the coast, croaker holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of family beach outings and traditional coastal recipes.”

Conclusion

Both whiting and croaker are distinct fish with unique characteristics. Whiting, belonging to the Gadidae family, has an elongated body, a mild flavour, and a firmer texture. Croaker, from the Sciaenidae family, has a deep-bodied shape, a slightly nutty flavour, and a softer, flakier texture. When deciding between whiting and croaker, personal preference plays a significant role. Some individuals prefer the delicate taste and firm texture of whiting, while others enjoy the sweet and nutty flavour and flaky texture of croaker. Availability and regional culinary traditions also influence the choice.

Both whiting and croaker are prepared using various cooking methods, making them versatile options in the kitchen. They are baked, grilled, fried, or used in soups and chowders. Exploring different recipes and cooking techniques enhances the enjoyment of both fish. The decision between whiting and croaker depends on individual taste preferences, regional availability, and cultural influences. It is recommended to try both fish to determine which one suits your palate and culinary preferences best.