Fin's Fish Guide
The Ashen drummer (Kyphosus cinerascens) is a saltwater fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 53 cm.
Description
The blue sea chub is a sea chub or drummer (Kyphosidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an oval, grey-blue, silvery body with a small head and mouth. It forms schools over hard, algae-coated bottoms of exposed, surf-swept outer reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs. As a plant-eating fish it grazes mainly on filamentous algae and other seaweed. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ashen drummer?
The Ashen drummer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Schooling, algae-grazing sea chub of surf-washed reef flats.
Where does the Ashen drummer live?
The Ashen drummer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; surf-washed reef flats.
How big does the Ashen drummer get?
The Ashen drummer grows to a maximum of about 53 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Ashen drummer dangerous to humans?
The Ashen drummer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ashen drummer edible?
Yes, the Ashen drummer is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Kyphosus
More from the family Kyphosidae
Want the complete picture on the Ashen drummer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ashen drummer is one of 12,519 species in the app.