Drums

[denise]

Drums get their common name from the low drumming sound they produce by vibrating the muscles around their swim bladders. Also known as croakers; the Drum family has about 275 species worldwide, that live in both fresh and sea water habitats. There are more than 7 coral reef dwelling drums in Florida, all have very distinctive long flowing dorsal fins, and a black and white body coloration. The position and pattern of their stripes (and spots sometimes) is the key to identifying different species of drums.


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Spotted drum, Equetus punctatus, West Palm Beach
Photo by Robert Palmer

Drums are bottom dwelling carnivores, that feed on plankton, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, and smaller fish. They live under ledges in crevices in quieter, more secluded areas of the reef at depths of 20-100 feet. They usually stay close to their homes during the day, and emerge at night to feed. While feeding, drums swim with their heads facing down, and their barbels drift over the reef and potential food items. When they detect food items, the drum stops swimming and inhales in the food item by creating a strong suction with its gill covers and mouth. The food is crushed in the mouth and then swallowed.

The red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, is an important game fish in Florida, but like many other economically important fish, their populations have declined due to excessive hunting. A State programme called Project Tampa Bay was launched in 2000, in which hatchery reared red drum were released into Tampa Bay and its tributaries such as the Alafia River. Since then, more than 2 million hatchery reared red drum have been released in the area in an effort to supplement wild stocks. All these fish are tagged before their release, so if they are caught later on by anglers, fishermen, or scientists, they can be linked back to the release project. Scientists sample every month for both wild and hatchery released red drum, and within a few months of the project starting, small numbers of hatchery-reared red drum began to show up in the recreational fishery.


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Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, Gulf of Mexico


Scientists hope that by tracking the hatchery-reared red drum, this will lead them to more stocks of wild red drum, and also give a better understanding of habits and life cycle of these fish. The data collected will also help in setting up more hatchery reared fish programmes, and how stock enhancement can be used to ensure healthy fish populations for future generations.


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Juvenile High hat, Equetus acuminatus, West Palm Beach

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Adult high hat, Equetus acuminatus, Boynton Beach
Photo by Scott LaPointe

The high hat is a common family member of the Drum family, they are often seen in small groups or pairs along coral reefs in Florida. They live in quieter areas of the coral reef, under ledges or in small crevices.


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Spotted drum, Equetus punctatus, Boynton Beach
Photo by Robert Palmer

Spotted drums live in quite areas of the reef; under ledges and near cave openings. They normally feed at night on crustaceans, worms, and gastropods.


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Spotted drum juvenile, West Palm Beach
Photo by Debi Buck


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Jackknife fish, Equetus lanceolatus, West Palm Beach
Jackknifes are found in the same type of habitats as drums and high hats, but in deeper waters


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Juvenile Cubbya, Pareques umbrosus, West Palm Beach
Photo by Joe Stillman

Cubbyu often inhabit secluded areas of reefs, under ledges or near the entrances to small caves. They are usually spotted in pairs or small groups.