Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded drum (Larimus fasciatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The banded drum (Larimus fasciatus) is a small drum of the family Sciaenidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a stocky, silvery body with a series of oblique dark cross-bands and a fairly large, obliquely set mouth, and reaches about 25 cm. It usually lives over mud and sandy-mud bottoms in coastal waters to about 60 metres deep and rarely occurs in estuaries. The diet consists mainly of small shrimps. Like other drums it can produce drumming sounds with its swim bladder. Owing to its small size the species is of little commercial importance and is mainly landed as bycatch.
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 vertical stripes pattern. Oblique dark vertical bars and an obliquely set mouth; produces drumming sounds.
Where does the Banded drum live?
The Banded drum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Coastal waters of the western Atlantic.
How big does the Banded drum get?
The Banded drum grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 16 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?
The Banded drum is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Larimus
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded drum?
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.