Fin's Fish Guide
The Boe drum (Pteroscion peli) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The boe drum is a slender, silvery croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 32 cm. The elongate, silvery-grey body with a yellowish tinge has a notably long second dorsal fin. Like other drums it can make a drumming or grunting sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On and above the bottom it hunts, mainly at night, for shrimps, small crustaceans, worms and small fish. With its tasty flesh the boe drum is a valued commercial fish for the West African coastal fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Boe drum?
The Boe drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver croaker with a long second dorsal fin; makes a drumming sound with the swim bladder and lives over soft bottoms.
Where does the Boe drum live?
The Boe drum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Boe drum get?
The Boe drum grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Boe drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Boe drum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Boe drum edible?
Yes, the Boe drum is a highly prized food fish.
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More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Boe drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Boe drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.