Umbrina
Umbrina is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, commonly known as drums or croakers. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, prominent barbels, and the ability to produce sounds using their swim bladders. They are distributed throughout the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms in both shallow and deep water.
Common Names
Members of the genus Umbrina are known by various common names, including:
- Umbrinas
- Drums
- Croakers
- Grey drums
- Black drums
Characteristics
Umbrina species share several distinctive characteristics, including:
- Elongated body shape
- Prominent barbels located on the chin
- Strong, conical teeth
- Scales that are usually smooth or slightly rough
- Dorsal fin with two distinct sections: a spiny anterior section and a soft posterior section
- Anal fin with one or two spines
- Ability to produce sounds using their swim bladders
Environments
Umbrina species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters
- Sandy or muddy bottoms
- Shallow and deep water
- Estuaries
- Mangrove forests
References
For more information on Umbrina, consult the following resources: