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Minor stardrum (Stellifer minor) — Sciaenidae

Minor stardrum

Stellifer minor
Family: Sciaenidae

The Minor stardrum (Stellifer minor) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador, Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Minor stardrum is a stardrum (Sciaenidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, silver-grey body with a blunt, rounded head 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 locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Minor stardrum?

The Minor stardrum has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Minor stardrum live?

The Minor stardrum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador, Peru

How big does the Minor stardrum get?

The Minor stardrum grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Minor stardrum dangerous to humans?

No, the Minor stardrum 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 Minor stardrum edible?

Yes, the Minor stardrum is commonly eaten.

More photos

Minor stardrum (Stellifer minor) — Sciaenidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Pablo Silva, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Minor stardrum (Stellifer minor) — Sciaenidae — 3
Morita, Kako H. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Minor stardrum (Stellifer minor) — Sciaenidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) capacoscar, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Minor stardrum sourced
Scientific name
Stellifer minor
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Minor stardrum; Lined drum verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Ecuador, Peru 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Stellifer

More from the family Sciaenidae

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