need ID help on florida drum

[archman]

I'm having trouble with this (apparently common) SE Florida fish. Stuck between Bairdiella chrysoura (silver perch) and Corvula sanctaeluciae (striped croaker). Schooling with some other junk just off the beach in Lantana. Help.

 

[SubMariner]

To me the diagonal pattern on the flank indicates they are French Grunts. JMHO, of course.

 

[Steve_C]

Given the mouth and general patterns I would go with a croaker. I have caught a few thousand Altantic Croaker and they look like that. The Atlantic Croaker can vary a bit in color from mostly silver to having an almost yellow or brozish cast. SE Florida is well within their range. They also are prone to being in schools and will come right into the surf.

 

[archman]

Hmm... Atlantic Croaker. Could very well be, although the fisheries folks say they rarely venture south of Indian River Lagoon.

Humann Guide really dropped the ball on this fish... I keep seeing it all over the bloody place in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

 

[Kharon]

Naw - it's a snare drum. Now where is the high hat cymbal?

 

[LouisJ]

Those look like Sand Drum. They don't always have the bars.

You got some Threadfin mixed in the second shot too.


Louis