Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded drum (Pogonias cromis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 170 cm.
Description
The black drum (Pogonias cromis) is a large drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a deep, robust, silvery-grey body; juveniles bear dark cross-bars and there are numerous barbels under the chin. It can reach about 1.7 metres and become very heavy. It lives over sand and mud bottoms in coastal waters, especially near large river mouths; juveniles enter estuaries. With powerful pharyngeal jaws it crushes mollusks such as oysters and mussels, and eats crustaceans and fishes. Like other drums it makes a deep drumming sound with its swim bladder.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded drum?
The Banded drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Chin barbels and powerful pharyngeal jaws for crushing shellfish; makes a deep drumming sound.
Where does the Banded drum live?
The Banded drum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Coastal waters and estuaries of the western Atlantic.
How big does the Banded drum get?
The Banded drum grows to a maximum of about 170 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Banded drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded drum is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Banded drum edible?
Yes, the Banded drum is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Sciaenidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.