A length of six inches is reached in the first year, 12 inches the second and 16 inches the third. Some are solid silvery gray or jet black. Those living in muddy bay waters have dark gray or bronze-colored backs and sides. Fish from Gulf waters frequently lack color and are light gray or silvery. The bellies of older fish are white but coloration of backs and sides can vary greatly. Younger fish have four or five dark vertical bars on their sides but these disappear with age.
The black drum is a chunky, high-backed fish with many barbels or whiskers under the lower jaw. TPWD © Other Names Texas Drum, Sea Drum, Saltwater Drum, Gray Drum, Drumfish, Striped Drum, Tambor Description Regulated nongame species - see bag & size limits
