Drum & Croaker
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
BothSciaenidaeNot Evaluated
About
Black drum are bottom-dwelling fish characterized by their high arched back and numerous barbels (whiskers) under their chin, which they use to locate food. They are known for the drumming sound they produce using their swim bladder, especially during spawning season.
- Average size
- 11-68 inches, 5-100 lbs
- Colors
- Juveniles have dark vertical bars that fade with age. Adults are typically gray or black, sometimes with a bronze or copper sheen.
- Diet
- Black drum are opportunistic bottom feeders, consuming primarily crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), mollusks (oysters, clams), and worms. They use their strong pharyngeal teeth to crush shells.
- Region
- Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and occasionally as far south as Argentina.
