Freshwater Drum
Gaspergou, Gou, Lake Drum, Drum
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Scientific Name:
Aplodinotus grunniens Freshwater
Native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
A deep-bodied, solid silver-colored fish. Have a single, long dorsal fin with a deep notch separating the spines from the soft rays. Similar in shape to red drum, but lack an eye spot on their tail. Have a downward-turned mouth and a blunt, rounded snout. A unique feature, their lateral line extends into their caudal fin.
Range and Habitat
Native to freshwater throughout the Mississippi River basin, through Texas, and south to Guatemala. Found in variety of habitats, including backwaters, large rivers, and shallow lakes. Highly adaptable, living in clear and turbid water on mud, silty, and rocky bottoms.
Behavior
Sexually mature between 4 and 6 years old. In Louisiana, spawn between April and May in large schools in open water. Females produce 40,000 to 60,000 eggs each season. Fertilized eggs float and are moved by currents until they hatch and the larvae are big enough to swim to the surface, usually within 1 week of being fertilized. Larvae and juveniles feed on zooplankton and other larval fish species. Adults feed on insects, crawfish, minnows, amphipods, and mollusks. Can live up to 13 years, but the average lifespan is 6 to 8 years. Can grow up to 50 pounds, but generally average less than 10. The only solely freshwater member of the drum family. Produce a druming or grunting sound by vibrating a set of muscles located in their body cavity against their swim bladder.