FISH FACTS - Drums and Croakers (Sciaenidae Family)

by Ross and Terri Whiteside



The Reef Croaker is the only croaker species to inhabit reefs.  It has large eyes, a reddish brown cast with a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin.  This species is rarely seen in the Caribbean since the range of this fish is primarily South Florida to Brazil.
Drums and croakers get their common name from their ability to produce a low-pitched, resonant sound by vibrating the muscles surrounding their swim bladder.  The vibration resonates to produce a sound.  Some species of drums which have no swim bladders, make noises by grinding their teeth.  These sounds are most often produced while spawning.
Worldwide, there are over 200 species of drums and croakers.  They range in size from a few ounces to over 200 pounds.  Some species are important as a commercial food source.  Although most drums and croakers inhabit tropical waters, some species prefer brackish or even fresh water.  Drums are usually bottom dwelling, nocturnal predators.  Some drums are equipped with barbels for digging out mollusks.  Other species are seen near docks, under bridges and at mouths of rivers where the fresh water and sea water mix.
The drums that inhabit tropical reefs are the smaller variety.  They like to inhabit secluded areas of the reef, often under ledges or near entrances to small caves.  Drums usually swim in established circular patterns and feed in the open at night.
The majority of species in this family have unusually elongated foredorsal fins and most are similarly patterned in black and white colors.  Some species are similarly patterned with bars, bands and stripes.  The tropical drums include the Spotted Drum, Jackknife Fish, Highhat and Cubbyu species.
The elongated, feather-like foredorsal fin is what divers typically notice first about drums.  The two most commonly seen drums are the Spotted Drum and the Jacknife Fish.  The best way to distinquish between these two is by observing their snouts.  The juvenile Jackknife Fish has a dash on its snout whereas the Spotted Drum has a spot.  The foredorsal fins of Highhats are shorter and more blunt than other drums.  Juvenile Highhats also have a band running between their eyes.

Identifying the Drums & Croakers

Photo Credits – Joyce and Frank Burek
Fish facts was written in the belief that increased fish knowledge will contribute to improved diver awareness and stewardship in coral reef protection.  Much of the information in this article was learned from "Fishes of the Caribbean and Adjacent Waters" by Kris Wilk of Reefnet Inc. and "REEF Fish Identification - Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas" by Paul Humann and Ned Deloach, available from New World Publications, Inc.

Listed below are some links where you can find pictures and additional information about Drums & Croakers: