Named for the drumming sounds males produce to attract females, these fish are primarily bottom feeders.
ORIGIN:
Western Atlantic coastal waters
HABITAT:
Soft-bottomed bays and oyster shell beds
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
2-80 lbs
Length: 1-2 ft
DIET:
Shrimp, crabs and smaller fish
PREDATORS:
Sharks and other large fish
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Tough scales
REPRODUCTION:
Eggs hatch 24 hrs after being laid
THREATS:
Not evaluated
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Up to 43 yrs in human care
Making grinding noises |
Crushing shellfish |
Biting predators |