Family Sciaenidae

by. Nolvyhindarto,S.Si_Encartablog_Animals

Drums

Selected Characters: Spinous and soft-rayed dorsal fins may
be confluent or separate; lateral line extends to rear edge of caudal
fin; deep canals present on head, associated with lateral line.

class="Normal_0020_0028Web_0029__Char" style=" text-decoration: none">This is a large family of about 270 species which may occur in marine,
brackish or freshwater areas, mostly at temperate and tropical latitudes.
Most live in shallow water and some species are important food
fishes. Sciaenids have modified muscular swim bladders which they use
to produce a drumming or croaking sound (this family is also called
the croakers). There are two species which may be found in Puget Sound.
Both tend to swim in schools near the shore and are important sport
fishes. The White Croaker is usually less than 40 cm and feeds mostly
on invertebrates. The White Seabass grows to 150 cm long and eats fishes
and squids. These fishes are rare in Puget Sound.

Species

Atractosion nobilis White Seabass

Genyonemus lineatus White Croaker

Retrieved from:” http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/collections/ichthyology”