Fin's Fish Guide
The Steindachner's drum (Umbrina steindachneri) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
Steindachner's drum is a croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 47 cm. The elongate, silvery-grey body bears oblique rows of dark streaks and has an inferior mouth with a short, stout chin barbel with which the fish probes the bottom. Like other drums it can make a drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf along the West African coast. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its tasty flesh it is a valued commercial and sport fish; the IUCN has too little data to assess the stock (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Steindachner's drum?
The Steindachner's drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Silvery croaker with oblique dark stripes and a short, sturdy chin barbel; makes a drumming sound with its swim bladder.
Where does the Steindachner's drum live?
The Steindachner's drum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Steindachner's drum get?
The Steindachner's drum grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Steindachner's drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Steindachner's drum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Steindachner's drum edible?
Yes, the Steindachner's drum is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Umbrina
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Steindachner's drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Steindachner's drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.