Introduction
If you’ve ever been near the ocean and heard a deep, drumming sound, chances are you’ve encountered a drum fish. These fish are known for their distinctive sounds, which they produce by vibrating their swim bladders. But what exactly is a drum fish, and why do they make that noise?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What is a drum fish?
- The different types of drum fish
- Why drum fish make noise
- Where drum fish live
- What drum fish eat
- Fun facts about this fascinating species
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be an expert on drum fish and might even impress your fishing buddies with some cool facts!
What is a Drum Fish?
A drum fish is a type of fish belonging to the Sciaenidae family, known for the drumming sound it produces. These fish are found in both freshwater and saltwater and are popular among anglers due to their size and unique behavior.
The drumming sound comes from muscles in their swim bladders, which they use to communicate, attract mates, or even warn off predators.
Quick Facts About Drum Fish
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sciaenidae |
| Common Species | Black drum, Red drum, Freshwater drum |
| Habitat | Oceans, rivers, coastal waters |
| Size | Varies by species (up to 100+ lbs) |
| Lifespan | 10-50 years |
| Diet | Crustaceans, mollusks, small fish |
| Special Feature | Produces a drumming sound |
Types of Drum Fish
There are many types of drum fish, but the most well-known include:
1. Black Drum Fish
- Can grow up to 100 pounds!
- Found mostly in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
- Makes a deep, loud drumming sound, especially when spawning.
2. Red Drum (Redfish)
- Recognized by its reddish-bronze color.
- Popular among anglers because of its strong fight.
- Lives in shallow coastal waters.
3. Freshwater Drum
- Only drum fish that lives exclusively in freshwater.
- Found in rivers and lakes across North America.
- Can make a popping or croaking sound.
4. Atlantic Croaker
- One of the smallest drum fish.
- Named after the croaking sound it makes.
- Often caught for food and bait.
5. Silver Perch
- A small, silvery fish found in estuaries and coastal waters.
- Produces a faint drumming noise.
Each type of drum fish has unique characteristics, but they all share the ability to make sound!
Why Do Drum Fish Make Noise?
One of the most fascinating things about drum fish is their ability to “talk” by making drumming or croaking sounds. But why do they do this?
Reasons Drum Fish Make Sounds:
- Mating Calls → Males drum loudly to attract females.
- Territorial Warnings → They make noise to scare away rivals.
- Communication → Some drum fish use sound to “talk” to each other.
- Distress Signals → When caught, they drum loudly, which surprises fishermen!
The black drum fish noise is particularly famous because it’s loud enough to be heard above water.
Where Do Drum Fish Live?
Drum fish are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, but their preferred habitats vary.
Drum Fish in the Ocean
- Black drum and red drum are most commonly found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries.
- They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can hunt for food.
- Some species migrate to different areas depending on the season.
Drum Fish in Freshwater
- The freshwater drum is found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across North America.
- Unlike its saltwater relatives, it can survive in colder waters.
If you’re fishing for drum fish, check shallow waters near the ocean floor or riverbeds—that’s where they love to hide!
What Do Drum Fish Eat?
Drum fish are bottom feeders, meaning they look for food near the seafloor or riverbed.
Common Foods in Their Diet:
- Crustaceans (shrimp, crabs)
- Mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels)
- Small fish
- Worms
- Insects (for freshwater species)
They use their strong teeth and jaws to crush hard shells, which makes them important for controlling populations of shellfish.
Fun Facts About Drum Fish
- Black drum fish can live up to 50 years!
- The largest black drum ever caught weighed 113 lbs.
- Red drum fish are nicknamed “redfish” and are a favorite for sport fishing.
- Some fishermen say catching a drum fish is like “pulling in a freight train.”
- The freshwater drum is sometimes called a “sheepshead” because of its human-like teeth!
Conclusion
Drum fish are fascinating creatures known for their drumming sounds and strong fights when caught. Whether in the ocean or freshwater, they play a key role in the ecosystem by keeping crustacean and shellfish populations balanced.
To summarize:
- Drum fish make sounds using their swim bladder.
- There are many types of drum fish, including black drum, red drum, and freshwater drum.
- They eat crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
- They are found in both the ocean and freshwater rivers/lakes.
Next time you hear a strange drumming noise underwater, you’ll know—it’s just a drum fish talking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a drum fish?
A drum fish is a type of fish that makes drumming sounds by vibrating its swim bladder. They live in oceans, rivers, and lakes.
2. Why does a black drum fish make noise?
Black drum fish use drumming sounds to communicate, attract mates, and warn predators.
3. What do drum fish eat?
Drum fish eat shrimp, crabs, mollusks, and small fish. They have strong teeth to crush shells.
4. Where do drum fish live?
They are found in both saltwater and freshwater. Some species, like the black drum and red drum, live in coastal ocean waters, while the freshwater drum lives in rivers and lakes.
5. Can you eat drum fish?
Yes! Black drum, red drum, and freshwater drum are edible and delicious when cooked properly.