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Galapagos drum (Umbrina wintersteeni) — Sciaenidae

Galapagos drum

Umbrina wintersteeni
Family: Sciaenidae

The Galapagos drum (Umbrina wintersteeni) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Galapagos drum is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific around the Galapagos. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body, often with fine oblique lines, and a large swim bladder with which it makes a drumming sound. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud for worms, small crustaceans and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Galapagos drum?

The Galapagos drum has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Galapagos drum live?

The Galapagos drum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Galapagos drum get?

The Galapagos drum grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Galapagos drum dangerous to humans?

No, the Galapagos 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Galapagos drum sourced
Scientific name
Umbrina wintersteeni
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Wintersteen drum; Cortez croaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Umbrina

More from the family Sciaenidae

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