Fin's Fish Guide
The Smalleye drum (Stellifer microps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Stellifer microps, the smalleye stardrum, is a small drum of the family Sciaenidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has a stocky, silvery body with a large head and conspicuously small eyes, and reaches about 20 cm. It lives over sandy-mud bottoms in shallow coastal waters and is also present in river mouths. The diet consists of bottom-dwelling organisms such as small crustaceans. 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 Smalleye drum?
The Smalleye drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large head with strikingly small eyes; makes drumming sounds with its swim bladder.
Where does the Smalleye drum live?
The Smalleye drum lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Shallow coastal waters and estuaries of eastern South America.
How big does the Smalleye drum get?
The Smalleye drum grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Smalleye drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Smalleye 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 Smalleye drum edible?
The Smalleye drum is rarely eaten.
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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 Smalleye drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smalleye drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.