Drumfish, Sea Drum, Saltwater Drum, Oyster Drum, Big Drum, Black Drummer, Texas Drum, Black Croaker
Pogonias cromis
Description:
Black drums have a deep robust body that tapers to a truncate tail. Their bodies may appear silver-gray or silver-bronze in appearance with thick, dark, vertical bars/bands running down the sides. The bars may disappear with age. A black drum’s mouth is oriented forward with 10-13 pairs of short small barbels located on the chin. Black drums have two distinct dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has sharp spines. The anal fins also exhibit tough spines. The first anal fin spine is very short and stiff while the longer, second anal fin spine is thick and pointed. The pelvic and anal fins appear dark in color.
Average Maximum Size:
152.4 cm (60 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Adult Black Drum have a characteristically robust and deep body, the dark banded markings of the species may appear gray and faded in mature individuals. The Black Drum attains adult sizes much larger than the Banded Drum and Sheepshead and also possesses chin barbels which are absent on the other two species.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Bands are dark and prominent in juveniles, but may fade as they grow
Range:
Black drum reside in the Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia, Canada down to Argentina.
Habitat:
Black drum can be found in shallow coastal salt and brackish waters with soft sandy and muddy bottoms such as in estuaries and surf zones. Juveniles typically inhabit estuaries. Black drums are common around structure.
