Fin's Fish Guide
The American stardrum (Stellifer lanceolatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Western Atlantic; sandy-muddy bottoms of shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
Description
The star drum is a small drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic off the east coast of North America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a high, blunt head and large, star-arranged sensory pores on the skull. It inhabits firm, sandy-muddy bottoms of shallow coastal waters to about 20 metres and enters estuaries. As a bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other bottom animals. Like other drums it can make drumming sounds with its swim bladder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American stardrum?
The American stardrum has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sensory pores arranged in a star shape on the skull; makes drumming sounds with the swim bladder.
Where does the American stardrum live?
The American stardrum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; sandy-muddy bottoms of shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the American stardrum get?
The American stardrum grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the American stardrum dangerous to humans?
No, the American stardrum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the American stardrum edible?
The American stardrum is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stellifer
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the American stardrum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American stardrum is one of 12,519 species in the app.