Sand Drum

Umbrina coroides

The Sand Drum, a member of the sciaenidae family, is a demersal fish found in marine and brackish environments. It is distributed throughout the Western Atlantic, from the Bahamas and the east coast of the United States down to Recife, Brazil, including the Antilles and northern South America. Divers can encounter this species in subtropical waters, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters. This species inhabits the surf zone along sandy beaches and can also be found over muddy bottoms in estuaries. Occasionally, it may venture near coral reef areas. The Sand Drum primarily feeds on small crustaceans that are washed out of the sand by the surf, making it an important part of the coastal ecosystem. While large specimens are sometimes marketed fresh, smaller ones are often used as bait. For divers, encountering a Sand Drum can be a subtle experience, as these fish are not known for bold displays. They are harmless to humans and are not a significant target for fisheries, although they do have minor commercial value. The IUCN has assessed the Sand Drum as Least Concern.