Fin's Fish Guide
The Shorthead drum (Larimus breviceps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Description
The shorthead drum is a croaker from the western Atlantic, from the Caribbean to Brazil. The species grows to about 31 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a short, blunt head and an oblique, upturned mouth. Like other croakers it can produce a drumming sound with its swim bladder. As a bottom-dweller it lives over sandy and muddy bottoms of shallow coastal water and hunts shrimp and small fish. It is a local food fish and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shorthead drum?
The Shorthead drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Short blunt head; makes a drumming sound with the swim bladder
Where does the Shorthead drum live?
The Shorthead drum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic
How big does the Shorthead drum get?
The Shorthead drum grows to a maximum of about 31 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Shorthead drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Shorthead 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 Shorthead drum edible?
Yes, the Shorthead drum is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Shorthead drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shorthead 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 Larimus
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Shorthead drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shorthead drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.