The freshwater drum or sheepshead (Aplodinotus grunniens) is the only member of the Sciaenidae family which lives in fresh water. Lakes: Buggs Island. IDENTIFICATION. Freshwater Drum Identification: A large, silvery, and deep-bodied fish with a short 1st dorsal fin and long 2nd dorsal fin. The only member of the drum family native to Montana. This is a commercially important species for some freshwater fishermen, generally providing a major source of income. Drum are so named because they can produce sound by "drumming" muscles against their gas bladders. Rivers: Clinch and Powell. Drum, sheepshead. Freshwater drum are silver-gray in color with a sub-terminal (ending below tip of snout) mouth. Habitat and Habits. Best Fishing. The belly is white. Don't expect a light, flaky texture, though— drum has a firm, meaty texture. The drum can make strange drumming or grunting noises with muscles vibrated against the swim bladder. The body is sharply arched. Updated date: 3/31/17 The Freshwater Drum is the only freshwater member of the Drum family. The Freshwater Drum is dark-green to olive-brown on the upper part of the head, back and sides, shading to silvery on the sides. For this reason, micro fish species don't count for contests or for official lifelists. The lateral line extends onto the … Post date: Thursday, March 1, 2012 - 12:31. Please take micro fish species listings with a huge grain of salt as none of them should be considered official or correct. It is the only species in the genus Aplodinotus. The body is steeply arched from the snout to the dorsal fin origin, giving it a “humpbacked” appearance. It is a good fighter and the white meat is fine table fare. Reports and Prospects for Freshwater Drum A silvery, deep-bodied fish. The freshwater drum is a fish endemic to North and Central America. Freshwater drum have a humped back, stout body and large scales. Black Basses. Although freshwater drum are fished commercially, their eating quality is only average. The freshwater drum is a bottom feeder, consuming aquatic insects, amphipods, fish, crayfish, and mollusks. Don't expect a light, flaky texture, though— drum has a firm, meaty texture. The head and body slope upward from the snout to the dorsal fins and give the fish a distinct humpbacked appearance. The freshwater drum is a member of the family Sciaenidae, and is the only member of the group that inhabits freshwater for its entire life. Species: American Eel, Burbot, Freshwater Drum, Sculpins, Sleepers, etc. The freshwater drum, one of the most wide-ranging species in North America, can be good to eat if prepared properly. Species Profile: Freshwater Drum, Aplodinotus grunniens. Drum are spring broadcast spawners, but unlike other Montana fish their eggs are buoyant. The dorsal fin is long and is divided into two distinct parts. The freshwater drum is common in most Kansas rivers and reservoirs. Commonly considered an undesirable rough fish, the drum is predatory and will readily strike lures and baits. This species is found in larger streams and reservoirs in the plains region of Montana's eastern drainages. The trailing edge of the caudal fin is rounded or almost triangular. The anal fin has two spines, the first, very small and the second, quite large. The fins and body are silvery brown. There are no other species of drum found in Ohio. All the rest, including the prized red drum or red fish as commonly called, live in salt or brackish water. Identification. American Oddballs. Fishing Techniques The life span of this species is estimated at … They have a round tail and are very deep bodied. . The freshwater drum is found in Lake Erie and the Ohio River. The lips are milky white, and the pelvic fins are white, often tinged with orange. , amphipods, fish, the first, very small and the Ohio River vibrated against the swim.... 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