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Sciaenidae
Drums & Croakers
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Drums & croakers are notable for sounds produced
by muscles attached to the swim bladder. They feed upon fishes or
invertebrates and are especially prolific over soft bottoms and
estuaries. They are an important component of the subsistence
diet. Common in warm seas & temperate around
the world, none are present in
Hawaii.
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EASTERN PACIFIC
Cheilotrema saturnum
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Rock Quarry,
Catalina Island, California, 40 feet |
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BLACK CROAKER
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Uncommon in dark holes on rocky reefs near sand.
Attains 18 inches. California to central Baja California. |
Umbrina roncador
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Long Beach
Harbor, California, 5 feet |
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YELLOWFIN DRUM or CROAKER
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Common in sandy areas including bays and harbors.
Attains 22 inches. California to Sea of Cortez. |
WESTERN ATLANTIC
Equetus punctatus
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Juveniles, Grand Bahama, 35 feet |
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SPOTTED DRUM
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A shy fish found on reefs in southern Florida &
the Caribbean. Adults lose elongated fin rays. Dorsal, anal
& caudal fins are decorated with white spots. Attains 11
inches. |
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