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Silver drum (Larimus argenteus) — Sciaenidae

Silver drum

Larimus argenteus
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Silver drum (Larimus argenteus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and lagoons.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The silver drum is a croaker (Sciaenidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a laterally compressed, bright silvery body with an upturned mouth. It inhabits coastal waters and lagoons and can produce drumming sounds with its swim bladder. It feeds mainly on planktonic crustaceans caught from the water column. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver drum?

The Silver drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Bright silvery with an upturned mouth; drums with its swim bladder, plankton feeder of coastal waters.

Where does the Silver drum live?

The Silver drum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and lagoons.

How big does the Silver drum get?

The Silver drum grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Silver drum dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver drum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Silver drum edible?

Yes, the Silver drum is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Silver drum verified
Scientific name
Larimus argenteus
Family
Sciaenidae
Other names
Silver drum verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
36.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Superior (upward)
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and lagoons.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly planktonic crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Bright silvery with an upturned mouth; drums with its swim bladder, plankton feeder of coastal waters. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Larimus

More from the family Sciaenidae

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