Common name: spotted drum

General information

The Spotted Drum, Equetus punctatus, is a distinctive and attractive fish species known for its bold black and white stripes and elongated dorsal fin. It is a member of the family Sciaenidae, commonly referred to as drums or croakers due to the drumming sounds they produce. These sounds are generated by special muscles that vibrate against the swim bladder, a trait that is quite fascinating to both scientists and aquarists.

Juvenile Spotted Drums are particularly striking with their elongated dorsal fin rays and rounded, banded appearance. As they mature, their body shape becomes more elongated, and the extended dorsal fin rays shorten.

Care

Spotted Drums are moderately challenging to keep in home aquariums due to their specific habitat needs and diet. They require a larger tank with plenty of swimming space and rockwork or caves for hiding. These fish are nocturnal and prefer dim lighting or shaded areas during the day.

A varied diet is crucial for their health, consisting of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh. They may also accept high-quality frozen and prepared foods. It's important to feed them small amounts multiple times a day.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spotted Drums are known to spawn in pairs, releasing their eggs into the water column where they become part of the plankton. The larvae are pelagic, drifting with the currents until they settle into the reef environment. Breeding them in captivity is rare and not well-documented.

Habitat

Spotted Drums are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit reef environments, often seen under ledges or near cave entrances at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. Their preference for reef habitats with plenty of hiding spots should be replicated in the home aquarium.