Small yellow croaker is a common edible fish that is loved for its tender flesh and delicious taste. However, the question of whether the small yellow croaker is a marine fish or a freshwater fish is often confusing. In order to answer this question, we need to have a deep understanding of the ecological habits and living environment of small yellow croaker. First of all, from a taxonomic point of view, small yellow croaker belongs to the class Bony Fishes, Perciformes, Totoaba and Yellow Croaker. Most of the fish of this family live in the ocean, so the small yellow croaker is more inclined to marine fish in terms of classification.
Secondly, from the perspective of ecological environment, small yellow croaker is mainly distributed in the Yellow Sea, Bohai Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea. These areas are typical marine environments, with high salinity and significant differences from freshwater environments. Small yellow croaker thrives in these sea areas, forming a physiological structure and survival strategy adapted to the marine ecological environment. In addition, the living habits of the small yellow croaker also prove that it is a marine fish. Small yellow croaker likes to inhabit the middle and lower layers of the offshore sea within 60 meters of water depth, feeds on plankton, and has a certain degree of migration. They move offshore in the spring and deep in the autumn and winter, a migratory trait common to many marine fish.
In summary, the small yellow croaker is a marine fish and not a freshwater fish. Its ecological habits, living environment and taxonomic status all indicate that it is more adapted to the marine environment. Therefore, when we buy and eat small yellow croaker, we should recognize that it is a marine resource, and we should use and protect it rationally to avoid overfishing and environmental damage to ensure the sustainable use of small yellow croaker resources. In addition, it is worth mentioning that although small yellow croaker mainly lives in the ocean, it may also be found in some brackish water areas such as estuaries, harbors, etc. The water quality in these areas is between seawater and freshwater, and the small yellow croaker is able to adapt and survive here. However, this does not mean that the croaker is a freshwater fish, as these brackish water areas are still part of the marine environment and are fundamentally different from the true freshwater environment.
After understanding the ecological habits and living environment of small yellow croaker, we should also pay attention to the nutritional value and economic value of small yellow croaker. Small yellow croaker is rich in protein, fat, minerals and vitamins and other nutrients, and has high nutritional value. At the same time, small yellow croaker is also one of the important economic fish in China, and its output and market demand are very high. Therefore, while protecting the resources of small yellow croaker, it is also necessary to rationally use and develop this marine resource to contribute to people's health and economic development. In conclusion, the small yellow croaker is a fish that lives in the ocean and belongs to the marine fish rather than the freshwater fish. We should recognize the preciousness of the small yellow croaker resource, rationally use and protect this resource, and ensure the balanced and sustainable development of the marine ecosystem. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the nutritional value and economic value of small yellow croaker, and give full play to its important role in human life.