pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

DRUM (family Sciaenidae)
Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens
Quick key characteristics: The freshwater drum is found in cool- to warmwater
habitats. Its scales are moderate in size and readily visible. It has two,
unseparated (but distinct), elongated dorsal fi ns, one (in front) with sharp
spines instead of rays. It has one spine in the rear dorsal fi n, one in each
pelvic fi n, and two in the anal fi n. It has a moderately large, downwardfacing
mouth, with a blunt, over-hanging snout and the upper jaw extends
backward to the pupil of the eye. Its body is much taller than wide and the
back is highly arched between the head and front dorsal fi n.
Similar species in South Dakota: none
Range: The freshwater drum is native to river basins that fl ow into the Gulf
of Mexico, as well as southern portions of the Great Lakes and Red River
of the North basins. In South Dakota, it is known from eastern river basins,
the Missouri River and its impoundments, and the Cheyenne River basin. It
primarily occupies larger rivers, lakes, and impoundments and is tolerant of
turbidity.
Items of interest:
• Feeds on insects, crayfi sh, molluscs, and small fi shes
• Named for its “drumming” or “grunting” noises, produced during
spawning by specialized muscles that vibrate against the swim (gas)
bladder
• Fished commercially in other states
• May exceed 39 in. and 36 lbs.
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