Como identificar Black Drum

Para identificar Black Drum (Pogonias cromis), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

Adults are typically silvery-gray to dark bronze or black, often with a lighter belly. Juveniles have 4-5 prominent dark vertical bars on their sides, which fade with age. The fins are usually dusky.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

inferior

Características distintivas

Numerous small barbels (whiskers) on the chin, used for sensing food on the bottom., High, arched back, giving it a somewhat humped appearance., Large, pavement-like pharyngeal teeth for crushing shells., Prominent drumming sound produced by males during spawning.

Nadadeira dorsal

Two dorsal fins; the first is spiny with 10-11 spines, and the second is soft-rayed with 19-22 rays. A deep notch separates the two.

Nadadeira caudal

Slightly emarginate to truncate (straight or slightly indented).

Nadadeira peitoral

Relatively short and rounded.

Nadadeiras características

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

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Chin Barbels

   The most distinguishing feature is the presence of numerous small, whisker-like barbels on the underside of the chin. No other large drum species in its range has as many or as prominent barbels.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Adults have a deep, robust body with a high, arched back and a dark, often uniform, coloration (silvery-gray to black). Juveniles have distinct vertical bars that fade with age.

3. 3

   Size

   Can grow to very large sizes, often exceeding 50 pounds (23 kg) and occasionally over 100 pounds (45 kg), making it the largest drum species.

4. 4

   Pharyngeal Teeth

   While not externally visible, their large, crushing pharyngeal teeth are unique among drums and adapted for their mollusk-heavy diet.

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