otoliidid

Otoliidid, also known as drum or croaker, are a family of ray-finned fish belonging to the order Perciformes. They are characterized by the presence of otoliths, which are small, hard structures in their inner ear used for hearing and balance. This family is comprised of over 70 genera and more than 270 species, making it one of the largest families of marine fish. Otoliidid species are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, inhabiting a variety of marine and brackish environments, including coastal areas, estuaries, and coral reefs.

A distinctive feature of many otoliidid species is their ability to produce sound. This is achieved through a drumming mechanism involving their swim bladder and specialized muscles. The sounds produced can vary in pitch and intensity and are used for communication, such as attracting mates or warning rivals. Otoliidids are generally carnivorous, feeding on a diet of smaller fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. They play an important role in marine food webs and are also a significant group for commercial and recreational fishing in many parts of the world. Examples of well-known otoliidid fish include the Atlantic croaker, red drum, and spotted seatrout.