Equetus

Equetus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sciaenidae
Genus: Equetus

Equetus is a genus of drumfishes found in the middle western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean.

Behavior

Members of this genus are frequently observed during the day under ledges or near the opening of small caves, at depths between 1 and 30 meters, where they swim in repetitive patterns. They leave the protection of the daytime shelter at night to feed.

Diet

When juvenile, drums feed on plankton and small organisms. Adults feed at night on invertebrates like crabs and shrimp.

Global distribution

They live in the west central Atlantic and the Caribbean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the coasts of Florida and the Bahamas.

Juvenile jack-knifefish, Equetus lanceolatus
Jack-knifefish, Equetus lanceolatus

Species

Spotted drum, Equetus punctatus
Spotted drum, Equetus punctatus
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