Black drum

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Black drum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sciaenidae
Genus: Pogonias
Lacepède, 1801
Species: P. cromis
Binomial name
Pogonias cromis
(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.

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