Saltwater · Late spring through early autumn in the East China Sea and northern South China Sea

Spinyhead Croaker

Collichthys lucidus

The spinyhead croaker is the little golden croaker behind the East China Sea's beloved 'meitong' — a palm-sized boat-fishing fish whose tender flesh far outweighs its size, taken on string-hooks over muddy bottoms.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

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Spinyhead Croaker — AI-generated image — AI-generated image — no verified freely-licensed photo of this species was available

Identifying features

Small, deep-bodied croaker with a blunt, steep head covered in rough spiny ridges — the 'spiny head'
Large eyes set high on the head; mouth slightly upturned
Golden-yellow to pale gold body, brighter on the fins
Long soft dorsal fin running most of the back; tail squarish-rounded
Adults commonly only 15-20 cm — anchor identification on the rough, ridged, blunt head, not on the shared 'meitong' name

Habits

Lives over muddy-sand bottoms of the East China Sea and northern South China Sea, often near estuaries
Travels in schools; feeds on small shrimp, worms and tiny benthic animals
Drums with its swim bladder like other croakers, especially in the spawning season
Shares the market name 'meitong yu' with its congener the bighead croaker — the two are sold side by side
A staple small boat-fishing target from Zhejiang and Fujian down to Guangdong

Distribution

Regional coverage expanding

Where to find them

Muddy bottoms off estuary mouths
Shallow coastal grounds at 10-40 m
Soft-bottom edges of bays in late spring and summer

Where they live

Muddy-sand coastal bottomsEstuary mouthsShallow bays 10-40 m

How to catch them

Boat string-hook (sabiki-style) shrimp rigs Boat

Rig: Light boat rod, string of small hooks baited with shrimp bits, fished on muddy bottom

Bait/lure: Shrimp pieces, sandworm bits

Key tip: Drop to bottom, lift slowly — a school under the boat gives a bite on nearly every drop.

Light bottom fishing Boat

Rig: Two-hook light bottom rig with small shrimp baits over sand-mud at 10-40 m

Bait/lure: Small shrimp, worm pieces

Key tip: Use the lightest lead that holds bottom; the bite is a soft, quick tap.

Best baits & lures

Small shrimp piecesSabiki-style string-hooks with shrimpSandworm bits

Techniques for Spinyhead Croaker →

Baseline setup

Rod: Light boat rod
Line: 8-14 lb mono or braid
Terminal: String-hook rigs, light bottom rigs, size 6-10 hooks

Recommended gear for this species

Rod · Best value

9' 5-weight fly rod outfit

≈ US$180-260

Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.

Flies · Budget

Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)

≈ US$25-40

Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.

Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.

Typical size

Common 6-8 in, well under 1 lb; rarely to 10 in

On the table

Excellent for its size — famously tender, fine flesh; steamed whole or pan-fried, a prized home-style fish.

Similar species

Small Yellow CroakerSmall yellow croaker has a smoother, less blunt head and a more elongated body with reddish lips; spinyhead croaker is deeper-bodied with a rough, spiny-ridged head

Brown CroakerBrown croaker is grey-brown, much larger-headed in proportion but grows many times bigger; spinyhead croaker stays palm-sized and golden

Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →

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