Spotted ribbonfish
The spotted drum or spotted ribbonfish (Eques punctatus), is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, the drums and croakers. This species is found in the western Atlantic Ocean.
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OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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starts withThe spotted drum has an oblong-shaped body, deep at the head, which tapers to a slender caudal peduncle. They have a low headwith a snout which protrudes over the small, horizontal mouth. The first, spiny part of the dorsal fin is short based and very high with between 12 and 14 spines, the second part of the dorsal fin is long based and is supported by a single spine and between 45 and 47 soft rays. The anal fin contains 2 spines and between 8 and 8 soft rays. The body is covered in ctenoid scales and the
The spotted drum is found in the western Atlantic where it occurs in the Bahamas, in the Gulf of Mexico where it is found from the Florida Keys and off the coast of Mexico from Tuxpan in Veracruz and from the Yucatan to Cuba, then throughout the Caribbean Sea. Reports from Bahia, Brazil and Bermuda need to be confirmed. This species occurs at depths between 3 and 30 m (9.8 and 98.4 ft) and is associated with coral reefs.
The spotted drum is frequently observed during the day under ledges or near the opening of small caves, at depths between 3 and 30 metres (98 ft), where it swims in repetitive patterns. A nocturnal feeder, it leaves the protection of its daily shelter at night to feed mainly on small crustaceans and Polychaete worms.
