Fish, drum, freshwater, raw
Whole food · Finfish and Shellfish Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Freshwater drum, often called 'gaspergou' or 'sheepshead,' is a firm, white-fleshed fish with a mild, sweet flavor and a clean, non-mushy texture. Nutritionally, it's a lean protein powerhouse with virtually no carbs and a modest amount of healthy fats, making it a staple for high-protein, low-carb diets.
Calorie split: 61% protein · 0% carbs · 39% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love freshwater drum for its versatile, mild taste that readily absorbs marinades and seasonings, and its firm texture that holds up beautifully to grilling, frying, or baking. It's a cultural favorite in many riverine communities, often celebrated in local fish fries and traditional recipes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its mild flavor can be perceived as bland if not seasoned well, and like many freshwater fish, it can have a slightly muddy taste if sourced from murky waters. To counteract this, soak fillets in milk or salted water for 30 minutes before cooking, and use bold herbs, spices, or acidic marinades like lemon or vinegar to enhance its natural sweetness.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of lean, complete protein
- Very low in carbohydrates and sugars
- Provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus
- Low-calorie option for weight management
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The freshwater drum gets its common name from the unique 'drumming' or 'croaking' sound males produce by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder during spawning season.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 77.3 g |
| Energy | 119 kcal |
| Energy | 498 kj |
| Protein | 17.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 4.9 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 60.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.90 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 30.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 180 mg |
| Potassium, K | 275 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 75.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.66 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.23 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.70 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 12.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg |
| Niacin | 2.4 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.75 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.30 mg |
| Folate, total | 15.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 15.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 15.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 51.0 ug |
| Retinol | 51.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 170 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.1 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.87 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.14 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.79 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.12 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.11 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.23 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.14 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.29 g |
| Cholesterol | 64.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.20 g |
| Threonine | 0.77 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.81 g |
| Leucine | 1.4 g |
| Lysine | 1.6 g |
| Methionine | 0.52 g |
| Cystine | 0.19 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.69 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.59 g |
| Valine | 0.90 g |
| Arginine | 1.0 g |
| Histidine | 0.52 g |
| Alanine | 1.1 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.8 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.6 g |
| Glycine | 0.84 g |
| Proline | 0.62 g |
| Serine | 0.72 g |
FAQ
What does freshwater drum taste like?
It has a mild, sweet, and clean flavor similar to croaker or white perch, with a firm, flaky texture that isn't overly soft or mushy.
Is freshwater drum the same as ocean drum?
No. Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is a true freshwater species found in North American rivers and lakes, while ocean drum refers to different marine species.
How should I store fresh freshwater drum?
Keep it refrigerated at 32-38°F (0-3°C) on a bed of ice in a sealed container, and use it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.19 kcal/g · 59% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.27 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.