Fin's Fish Guide
The Rake drum (Stellifer rastrifer) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Shallow coastal waters and brackish estuaries of eastern South America.
Description
Stellifer rastrifer, the rake stardrum, is a small drum of the family Sciaenidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has a stocky, silvery to yellowish body with a large head and reaches about 32 cm. It lives in shallow coastal waters over soft, muddy bottoms and is abundant in brackish estuaries. The diet consists mainly of small crustaceans, on which it often hunts in schools. Like other drums it can produce drumming sounds with its swim bladder. The species is mainly processed into by-products such as fish meal and is of limited local commercial importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rake drum?
The Rake drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large head; hunts small crustaceans in shoals and makes drumming sounds.
Where does the Rake drum live?
The Rake drum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Shallow coastal waters and brackish estuaries of eastern South America.
How big does the Rake drum get?
The Rake drum grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Rake drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Rake 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.
Is the Rake drum edible?
The Rake drum is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Rake drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rake drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stellifer
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Rake drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rake drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.