Description:
high arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or
black colored body in adults; young have 4 to 6 vertical
bars; has cobblestone-like teeth capable of crushing
oysters; scales large.
Similar Fish:
the vertical bars on juvenile black drum are somewhat
similar to those on sheepshead, Archosargus
probatocephalus; spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber;
red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus.
Where found:
INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller
often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE.
Size:
common to 30 pounds.
*Florida
Record: 93 lbs.
Remarks:
largest member of the drum family; spawns NEARSHORE in
winter and early spring; feeds on oysters, mussels, crabs,
shrimp and occasionally fish; longevity to 35 or more years.
* The
Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The
records are provided as only as a benchmark.
Regulations
Min. Size
Limits: Not less than 14" not more than 24"
Closed Seasons:
None.
Daily Rec. Bag
Limit: 5 per person
per day.
Remarks:
May Possess one over 24".
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