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Peruvian drum (Sciaena callaensis) — Sciaenidae

Peruvian drum

Sciaena callaensis
Family: Sciaenidae

The Peruvian drum (Sciaena callaensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 10 cm.

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

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Description

The Peruvian drum is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from coastal waters of the southeast Pacific, off Peru and Chile. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with a slightly arched back and an inferior mouth. Like many croakers it can make a drumming sound with its swim bladder. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for worms, crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Peruvian drum?

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

Where does the Peruvian drum live?

The Peruvian drum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Peru

How big does the Peruvian drum get?

The Peruvian drum grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Peruvian drum dangerous to humans?

No, the Peruvian 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
Peruvian drum sourced
Scientific name
Sciaena callaensis
Family
Sciaenidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Sciaena

More from the family Sciaenidae

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