Common Drum

Overview

The Common Drum (Umbrina cirrosa), also known as the Shi drum, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the Sciaenidae family. It is a sedentary species typically found in coastal waters, where it is valued for its commercial importance and popularity among anglers.

Distribution & habitat

This species is primarily found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Bay of Biscay and Gibraltar to southern Morocco, as well as throughout the Mediterranean, Black, and Azov Seas. Adults typically inhabit sandy, muddy, or rocky seabeds, while juveniles are frequently found in estuaries.

Appearance

The Common Drum has a moderately elongated, deep, and laterally compressed body with a rounded head. Its coloration is generally greyish-silver to brownish with a metallic sheen, characterized by distinctive, irregular golden-yellow longitudinal lines along its back and flanks. A key identifying feature is the short, rigid barbel on its chin, which contains a small pore at the tip. The hind margin of the gill cover features a jet-black membrane.

Biology & behavior

As a demersal fish, it lives close to the seabed and is known for its sedentary nature. It is a multiple-batch spawner, with reproductive activity occurring during the spring and summer months. The species can live up to 18 years.

Feeding

The Common Drum is a carnivore that feeds primarily on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Its diet consists largely of crustaceans and mollusks, which it unearths from the sandy or muddy substrate.