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Black
Drum (Pogonias
cromis)
Description:
Hhigh arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or
black colored body in adults; young have 4 to 6 vertical bars;
has cobblestone-like teeth capable of crushing oysters; scales
large.
Similar
fish: The vertical bars on juvenile black drum are somewhat
similar to those on sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus;
spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber; red
drum, Sciaenops ocellatus.
Where
found: Iinshore fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom
dweller often found around oyster beds; also offshore.
Size:
Common to 30 pounds.
Remarks:
Largest member of the dum family; spawns nearshore in
winter and early spring; feeds on oysters, mussels, oysters,
crabs, shrimp, and occasionally fish; longevity to 35 or more
years.
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