New Jersey Scuba Diving

Drums

Drums are so named for their ability to make drumming sounds with their swim bladder. Actually, many fishes are capable of making sounds, from squeaks to growls, although not all Drums can "drum". Kingfish lack a swim bladder but still vocalize by grinding their pharyngeal (throat) teeth.

Northern Kingfish

Northern Kingfish

Menticirrhus saxatilis

Profile by
Heather Corbett
Assistant Fisheries Biologist

The Northern kingfish, Menticirrhus saxatilis, is popular with many saltwater anglers, and it's no wonder. These fish are known to put up a good fight, and their tasty, white meat is well worth the effort.

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Weakfish

Weakfish

Cynoscion regalis

Profile by John McClain Principal Fisheries Biologist

The Weakfish is a member of the croaker family. The family name is derived from the ability of the males to make a drumming or croaking noise.

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Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker

Micropogonias undulatus

Profile by John McClain, Principal Fisheries Biologist

The croaker is a member of the Sciaenidae, or drum family, which includes the black drum and weakfish. Their name comes from the sound they can make by vibrating their swim bladders.

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Spot

Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Size
to 14"
seldom that big

Habitat
Shallow coastal waters, bays, estuaries.

Description
These diminutive drums form an important fishery, both commercial and recreational.

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January 16, 2026

Charts

January 16, 2026

The New York Bight

In the last few weeks I have re-written pretty much the entire WordPress plugin that generates the charts. In addition, I created a new chart style that is truly marine, with color depth contours and boundaries, in place of the old one that was basically just a stripped-down land map. The result is much more useful, and, I think, quite beautiful, with a lot of transparency effects.

All the charts now have secondary styles, generally road maps or satellite imagery, whatever is most appropriate. The alternate style for this chart is the full undersea rendering. Mine is stripped-down to focus on the shallows and run faster. Be warned: you can bog-down or even hang your computer messing around here!

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Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2026 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

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