Micropogonias

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Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) belongs to the Family Sciaenidae and is closely related to Black Drum (Pogonias cromis), Silver Perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis). They are commonly found in sounds and estuaries from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic Croaker range in size up to 50 cm (20 in) and 1.8 kg (4 lbs)

Drums: Family Sciaenidae are small to medium-sized bottom dwelling fishes that live primarily in estuaries, bays, and muddy river banks. Most of these fishes avoid clear waters such as coral reefs and oceanic islands with a few notable exceptions (i.e., Reef Croaker, High-hat, and Spotted Drum).

They live in warm-temperate and tropical waters and are best represented in major rivers in S.E. Asia, N.E. South America, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf of California.

They are excellent food and sport fishes and are commonly caught by surf and pier fishers. They are usually piscivourous.

[edit] Identification

Drums are somberly colored, usually in shades of brown, with a lateral line that extends to the tip of the caudal fin. The anal fin usually has two spines while the dorsal fins are deeply notched or separate. Most species have a rounded or pointed caudal fin. The mouth is set low and is usually inferior.

[edit] Sound Production

Most species of Family Sciaenidae produce distinctive drumming sounds utilizing specialized muscles on the wall of their swim bladders, hence their common name-Drum.

[edit] References

Robins, C. Richard, G. Carleton Ray, and John Douglass. A Field Guide to Atlantic Coast Fishes-North America. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York. 1986. 184-188. Template:Sciaenidae

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