How to Identify Black Drum

To identify Black Drum (Pogonias cromis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically silvery-gray to dark gray or bronze, often with a brassy sheen. Juveniles (up to about 30 cm) are distinctly marked with 4-5 prominent dark vertical bars on a lighter background, which fade with age. The fins are usually dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

High, arched back and a deep body., Numerous short, fleshy barbels (whiskers) on the chin, used for foraging on the bottom., Large, pavement-like pharyngeal teeth for crushing shells., Prominent drumming sound produced by vibrating muscles against the swim bladder., Can reach very large sizes, up to 170 cm (67 inches) and over 50 kg (110 lbs), though most caught are smaller.

Dorsal fin

A deeply notched dorsal fin, with the anterior spiny portion (9-11 spines) much higher than the posterior soft-rayed portion (19-22 soft rays).

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate (shallowly forked) to truncate (straight) caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 spines and 5-7 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Chin Barbels

   The most distinguishing feature is the presence of multiple short, fleshy barbels on the underside of the chin, which are absent in Red Drum.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Adults have a high, arched back and are typically dark gray to bronze. Juveniles have distinct vertical bars that fade with age.

3. 3

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is inferior (downward-pointing), adapted for bottom feeding, unlike the terminal mouth of Red Drum.

4. 4

   Size

   Black Drum can grow significantly larger than Red Drum, often exceeding 50 lbs.

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