🎣 Spotted Drum Fish in Punta Cana: A Graceful Reef Dancer
Among the many colorful fish you can encounter in Punta Cana, the Spotted Drum (Equetus punctatus) is one of the most elegant and intriguing. With its long, flowing dorsal fins and distinctive black-and-white patterns, this shy reef dweller captures the attention of divers lucky enough to spot one.
Often tucked into caves, under coral ledges, or hiding near wrecks, the Spotted Drum is a great example of how patience and a trained eye can reveal some of the ocean’s most graceful residents.
🎨 How to Identify a Spotted Drum
Spotted Drums are members of the drum family and get their name from the drumming or croaking sound they can produce using their swim bladder. But it’s their appearance that truly stands out:
Juveniles are striking with exaggerated dorsal and tail fins that flutter like ribbons, often mistaken for floating leaves or worms.
Adults display elegant black-and-white stripes and polka dots along their body.
Their fins remain long, but more proportionate as they mature, giving them a gliding, floating movement.
They typically grow to about 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) in length and are nocturnal, preferring to remain hidden during the day.
🌊 Where to Find Them in Punta Cana
Spotted Drums can be found:
Hiding in shaded reef crevices and under ledges during daytime dives
Along wrecks, like the Astron or Monica wreck, where they hover close to structure
In areas with limited current and scattered coral rubble, such as Cabeza de Toro
They’re often solitary or seen in pairs and require a careful, quiet approach for a closer look.
🦐 Behavior and Diet
Spotted Drums are generally nocturnal feeders. At night, they venture out to hunt for:
Small crustaceans
Worms
Benthic invertebrates
During the day, they’re typically resting in a fixed spot and can become quite territorial if disturbed — so approach with respect and avoid using excessive lights or flashes.
📸 A Favorite for Underwater Photography
Due to their contrasting patterns and graceful movement, Spotted Drums are highly photogenic. However, capturing a good photo takes skill:
Look for them near ledges, often motionless
Use manual white balance or strobes for best color
Be patient — they often return to the same hiding spot after being spooked
💙 Why We Love the Spotted Drum at Grand Bay of the Sea
At Grand Bay of the Sea, we often point out these quiet beauties during our reef dives. Guests love learning to spot them, especially once they understand how elusive and unique they are. They’re a reminder that not all marine life is bold and flashy — some treasures are waiting to be discovered by those who dive with care.
Whether you're diving with us for the first time or returning for another reef tour, keep an eye out for the graceful flicker of a Spotted Drum’s fins. It might just become your new favorite fish.
