Pronunciation: [fɹˈɛʃwɔːtə dɹˈʌm] (IPA) 
The freshwater drum is a fish species found in North America. It is spelled /ˈfrɛʃˌwɔtər drʌm/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word "freshwater" is spelled with the "sh" sound followed by a "w." The "drum" part of the word may be confusing, as it is not the musical instrument, but rather a type of fish. The IPA transcription /drʌm/ indicates the sound of the "u" as in "up" and the "m" sound at the end.
The freshwater drum, also known by its scientific name Aplodinotus grunniens, is a species of fish that belongs to the family Sciaenidae. It is commonly found in North America and is native to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout the continent.
The freshwater drum is characterized by its large blunt head, cylindrical-shaped body, and dark gray or olive green coloration. It can grow up to 3 feet long and weighs around 10 to 30 pounds, making it one of the larger freshwater fish species. One of its distinctive features is a deep, continuous drumming sound it produces by contracting special muscles against its air bladder, which is believed to play a role in courtship and territorial defense.
These fish primarily feed on benthic invertebrates such as mussels, clams, and crayfish, but they are opportunistic predators and will also consume small fish. They possess strong pharyngeal teeth which enable them to crush the shells of their prey. Despite their name, freshwater drums are not considered table fare in most regions, primarily due to their coarse-textured flesh and strong taste.
Freshwater drums are typically found in large schools, and their presence can be an indicator of healthy aquatic environments. They play an important role in freshwater ecosystems as they help control population levels of benthic organisms and serve as prey for larger predatory fish. While they are mainly caught for sport fishing, they are not heavily targeted commercially.
The word "freshwater drum" consists of two parts: "freshwater" and "drum".
The term "freshwater" refers to bodies of water that contain low levels of salt, such as lakes, rivers, and streams. It is derived from the Old English word "fresc", meaning "unsalted" or "not seawater". The word "freshwater" later evolved to describe non-saline bodies of water.
The word "drum" in this context refers to a type of fish species known for making a drumming or "croaking" sound. This sound is produced by the muscles attached to their swim bladder, which they use for communication and territorial purposes. The origin of the term "drum" in relation to fish comes from its resemblance to the sound of a drum.
