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Yawning stardrum (Stellifer oscitans) — Sciaenidae

Yawning stardrum

Stellifer oscitans
Family: Sciaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Yawning stardrum (Stellifer oscitans) is a saltwater fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; shallow muddy bottoms and estuaries.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The stardrum is a drum (Sciaenidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a stocky, silvery body with a large, hollow head with bony chambers. Like other drums it can make drumming sounds with its swim bladder. It is common in shallow water over muddy bottoms. As a bottom fish it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other bottom life. It is a common food fish in local markets and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yawning stardrum?

The Yawning stardrum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, hollow head with bony chambers; makes drumming sounds with its swim bladder.

Where does the Yawning stardrum live?

The Yawning stardrum lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow muddy bottoms and estuaries.

How big does the Yawning stardrum get?

The Yawning stardrum grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Yawning stardrum dangerous to humans?

No, the Yawning stardrum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Yawning stardrum edible?

Yes, the Yawning stardrum is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Yawning stardrum verified
Scientific name
Stellifer oscitans
Family
Sciaenidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; shallow muddy bottoms and estuaries.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, worms and bottom life sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Large, hollow head with bony chambers; makes drumming sounds with its swim bladder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
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 Stellifer

More from the family Sciaenidae

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