Fin's Fish Guide
The Canary drum (Umbrina canariensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The Canary drum is a croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 80 cm. The elongate, silvery-grey body bears oblique rows of dark streaks and has an inferior mouth with a short, stout chin barbel with which the fish probes the bottom. Like other drums it can make a drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its tasty flesh the Canary drum is a valued commercial and sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Canary drum?
The Canary drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Silvery croaker with oblique, dark stripes and a short chin barbel; makes a drumming sound with its swim bladder.
Where does the Canary drum live?
The Canary drum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Canary drum get?
The Canary drum grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Canary drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Canary drum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Canary drum edible?
Yes, the Canary drum is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Canary drum and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Umbrina
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Canary drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Canary drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.