The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sciaenoid \Sci*ae"noid\, a. [L. sciaena a kind of fish (fr. Gr.
?) + -oid.] (Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Sciaenidae, a family of carnivorous
marine fishes which includes the meagre (Sciaena umbra or
Sciaena aquila), and fish of the drum and croaker
families. The croaker is so called because it may make a
croaking noise by use of its bladder; the Atlantic croaker
(Micropogonias undulatus, formerly Micropogon undulatus)
and the squeteague are a members of the croaker family, and
the kingfish is a drum.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Croaker \Croak"er\ (-?r), n.
1. One who croaks, murmurs, grumbles, or complains
unreasonably; one who habitually forebodes evil.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.)
(a) A small American fish (Micropogon undulatus), of the
Atlantic coast.
(a) An American fresh-water fish (Aplodinotus
grunniens); -- called also drum.
(c) The surf fish of California.
[1913 Webster]
Note: When caught these fishes make a croaking sound; whence
the name, which is often corrupted into crocus.