Freshwater drum is the only living member of the North American drum family found entirely in fresh water.
The species, Aplodinotus grunniens, belongs to Sciaenidae, a family better known for marine and estuarine fishes such as croakers and weakfish. Freshwater drum are native to large rivers and lakes of North and Central America.
They are named for the drumming or croaking sounds they can produce, using muscles that vibrate against the swim bladder. The sound is especially associated with spawning and communication, although the exact function can vary.
Freshwater drum are sometimes mistaken for freshwater sheepshead, a regional common name used for several unrelated fishes. The drum has a deep, silvery body and a distinctive sloping forehead.