The silver drum, commonly known as the silver croaker (family Sciaenidae), is a coastal fish species found primarily in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. Recognized for its silvery sheen and distinctive croaking sound, the silver drum inhabits estuaries, shallow coastal waters, and river mouths. The species is valued both for local consumption and as a commercial catch, with major fishing countries including China, India, and several West African nations such as Nigeria and Ghana. In these countries, silver drum is typically harvested by artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries using gillnets, trawls, and handlines. China and India, with their extensive coastlines and robust fishing industries, lead global production, exporting both fresh and processed silver drum products. In West Africa, the species supports local economies and food security, though overfishing and habitat degradation pose ongoing challenges to sustainable management.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 91 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.