Depth
Umbrina · Bony Fish

Shi Drum

Umbrina cirrosa

Variable
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
Variable
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Variable
Habitat
Variable
Diet
Variable
Social
VU
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusUmbrina
Speciescirrosa

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationLarge, elongated body with a somewhat arched back. Silver-grey body with a distinctive chin barbel. Oblique dark bars may be visible on the flanks, especially in younger fish. Small, subterminal mouth.
  • SizeUp to 73 cm total length and 6 kg, commonly 30 to 50 cm.
  • Social HabitFound in small groups near the bottom over sandy areas adjacent to reef structures.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms near rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and mixed substrates.
  • Depth5 to 100 m, most common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnBottom-dwelling invertebrates including crustaceans, worms, and molluscs detected using the chin barbel.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to Senegal, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA member of the drum (Sciaenidae) family, named for the drumming sounds it produces using muscles attached to the swim bladder. Once common but now rare in many parts of the Mediterranean due to overfishing. Seeing a shi-drum on a dive is becoming an increasingly special event.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean Sea. Habitat and depth details to be confirmed.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Habitat details for Shi Drum to be confirmed. Most commonly encountered in Mediterranean waters.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Shi Drum species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Umbrina cirrosa may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListVulnerable

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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