Colorado Fish Species: Freshwater Drum

Freshwater drum are silver-gray in with a down facing mouth. They are deep bodied with a round tail. Except for color, they resemble the red drum. The fish is deep-bodied and equipped with a long dorsal fin divided into two sections. The dorsal fin usually has 10 spines and 29-32 rays. Freshwater drum are silvery in color and lack the distinctive tail fin spot of red drum.
Drum is endemic to North America and one of the wider ranging species.  They have a swim bladder which is able to produce sound and its use is thought to have to do with spawning.  The drum's otoliths are large and have been used for jewelry and luck charms.
 
Drum typically spawn in April or May and occurs in open water, where the eggs float until they hatch. They feed primarily on fish, crayfish, and immature insects. Their heavy throat-teeth also allow them to consume mollusks, also.  Primarily active at night, drum form large schools feeding shallow water. Although, considered a rough fish by many anglers, it has a succulent flesh.