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Panna croaker

Panna microdon

Panna croaker© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Panna croaker (Panna microdon) is a small, silvery marine fish prized for its delicate flavor and active night feeding habits. It inhabits coastal and brackish waters, often around mangroves and estuaries, making it a popular target for light‑tackle anglers.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Sciaenidae

Max Size

30 cm

Habitat

marine, brackish

Climate

tropical

Best Season

June to September (warm summer months in its tropical range)

Best Time

Early morning and late evening (low light conditions)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Panna croaker

  • Use a light line and small hook to match the fish’s size
  • Fish near mangrove roots, mud flats, and estuary mouths where croakers feed
  • Toss a small live shrimp or soft‑plastic near the bottom and let it rest before retrieving
  • Fish during low‑light periods when the croakers are most active

Top Fishing Locations for Panna croaker

Gulf of Mannar

India
beginner65% Common

Rich mangrove estuaries and sandy flats host large schools of Panna croaker, making it a go‑to spot for early‑season anglers.

Best: Nov‑Feb

Palk Bay

Sri Lanka
beginner60% Common

Shallow coastal waters with abundant mudflats and seagrass beds where Panna croaker feed throughout the cooler months.

Best: Dec‑Jan

Andaman Islands (Port Blair)

India
intermediate55% Common

Crystal‑clear reef edges and lagoon channels provide ideal ambush points for this reef‑associated croaker.

Best: Jan‑Apr

Phuket (Andaman Sea)

Thailand
intermediate50% Common

Coastal mangrove creeks and near‑shore sandbars attract consistent numbers of Panna croaker during the dry season.

Best: Feb‑May

Sabah Coast (Borneo)

Malaysia
intermediate45% Occasional

Tidal flats and river mouths in Sabah create productive feeding grounds for the species, especially after monsoon runoff.

Best: Mar‑Jun

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Philippines
intermediate40% Occasional

Estuarine channels and mangrove fringes host healthy populations, though access can be remote and requires planning.

Best: Apr‑Jul

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Panna croaker

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic shad or minnow, 1‑2 inch; also tiny jigs
TechniqueBottom fishing with a slow hop‑and‑pause retrieve near structure

Best bait: Live shrimp, small crabs, or baitfish strips