Fauna
Fish

Freshwater Drum

Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as Sheepshead, Thunderpumper, Gaspereau, Gray Bass

Spanning a vast range from Hudson Bay down to Guatemala, freshwater drum are deep-bodied bottom dwellers known for the low grunting sounds mature males produce during mating season. Heavy pharyngeal teeth allow them to easily crush the shells of freshwater mussels, crayfish, and aquatic snails along river and lake beds. Anglers and beachcombers frequently find their exceptionally large ear stones, known as otoliths or lucky stones, washed ashore along sandy beaches.

FreshwaterBottom FeederVocal
Freshwater Drum reference1 / 7
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—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyZebra Mussels, Crayfish, Aquatic Insects
Predators
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Osprey
ThreatsDams, water pollution, siltation
HabitatsLakes, deep river channels, reservoirs
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilySciaenidae
  2. SpeciesAplodinotus grunniens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Listening for Calls: Listen near calm river bays in late spring to hear the low grunting produced by spawning males.
  • Handling Caution: Mind the sharp dorsal spines and bony gill plates when handling landed fish.
  • Finding Lucky Stones: Scan gravelly beaches along large lakes for white, polished otoliths stamped with an L or J shape.
Related species
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