Atlantic Croaker, a drum species native to the Atlantic and Gulf State regions, has a high potential for multi-purpose aquaculture development, including live baitfish, food fish, and restoration. Demand for Atlantic Croaker has soared in recent years, with live bait prices exceeding $3-$5.50 each in Florida and a foodfish market expanding regionally, initiating fisheries management measures. Aquaculture, not increased wild catch, is, therefore, the best method to increase market value and fulfill demand in this fishery without threatening wild stocks. Live Advantage Bait in collaboration with several research institutions such as MOTE Marine Lab and Texas A&M have demonstrated commercial quantities of Atlantic Croaker can be spawned year round, reared with high survival through larval rearing and can reach market size within 4-5 months depending on season and market. We have also demonstrated a huge market demand with the first fully comprehensive economic survey in Florida. Responding to a potential $156 million live bait market in the SE United States, and an unquantified yet significant food fish market, could Atlantic Croaker be the next big marine fish species for aquaculture production? We will make an argument for and against the potential of this new species to U.S. aquaculture.