Black drum

Taxobox
name = Black Drum


image_caption = A Black Drum
image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Sciaenidae
genus = "Pogonias"
genus_authority = Lacepède, 1801
species = "P. cromis"
binomial = "Pogonias cromis"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1766)

The Black Drum ("Pogonias cromis") is a saltwater fish similar to its cousin, the Red Drum. It is the only species in the genus "Pogonias". Though most specimens are generally found in the 5-30lb (2-14kg) range, the black drum is well known as the largest of all the drum family with some specimens reaching excesses of 90lbs (40kg). They are often black and/or gray in color with juvenile fish having distinctive dark stripes over a gray body. The world record black drum was just over 113lbs (51kg). It is recommended that those caught by fishermen which are over 15lbs pounds (7kg) should be released, as the flesh is very coarse and tough. Black drums are capable of producing tones between 100 Hz and 500 Hz when performing mating calls.

Their teeth are rounded and they have powerful jaws capable of crushing oysters and other shellfish.

References

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