[13] Drums are somberly coloured, usually in shades of brown, with a lateral line on each side that extends to the tip of the caudal fin.

[13] Sciaenids are found worldwide, in both fresh and salt water, and are typically benthic carnivores, feeding on invertebrates and smaller fish.

They are small to medium-sized, bottom-dwelling fishes living primarily in estuaries, bays, and muddy river banks.

[14] They are excellent food and sport fish, and are commonly caught by surf and pier fishers.

[15] The future of croakers, like many other fish species in the United States and around the world is uncertain because overfishing continues to be a major threat.

These muscles strengthen during the mating season and are allowed to atrophy the rest of the time, deactivating the croaking mechanism.

[17] In other species, most notably the Atlantic croaker, the croaking mechanism is present in both sexes and remains active year-round.

These species are thought to use croaking for communication, such as announcing hazards and location when in turbid water.