GRUNTER, GRUNT or DRUM, names applied to fishes of the family Scidenidae, on account of the noise, of uncertain origin, they emit under water. The best-known species is Pogo nias chromis of the Atlantic coast of America, from Uruguay northwards, which may reach a weight of loo lb. This heavily built fish feeds mainly on molluscs and is a great pest of the oyster fisheries (see OYSTER). The fresh-water drum (Aplidonotus grunniens) is common in the Mississippi valley, where it is esteemed for food.