Sciaena
Sciaena is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, commonly known as drums or croakers. This genus comprises a diverse group of fish, including the familiar European croaker (Sciaena umbra). They are found in coastal waters across the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. Sciaena species are characterized by their elongated bodies, silvery scales, and prominent barbels. Their unique sound-producing apparatus, located in the swim bladder, gives rise to their common name “drums” due to the drumming noises they make, especially during courtship and territorial displays.
Common Names
Common names for Sciaena species vary depending on the region and language. Some common names include:
- European croaker
- Black croaker
- Umbrella croaker
- Drum
Characteristics
Sciaena species exhibit several distinctive characteristics:
- Elongated body shape
- Silvery scales
- Prominent barbels (fleshy appendages around the mouth)
- Sound-producing apparatus in the swim bladder, responsible for the drumming sounds
- Dorsal fin divided into two sections, a spiny anterior section and a soft posterior section
- Anal fin with a single spine and several soft rays
Environments
Sciaena species are primarily found in coastal waters, including:
- Estuaries
- Bays
- Seagrass beds
- Sandy bottoms
They prefer areas with moderate salinity and temperatures. Juveniles often inhabit shallow water, while adults can be found in deeper waters.