Fin's Fish Guide
The Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 155 cm.
Western Atlantic along the southeast coast of North America and the Gulf of Mexico, in coastal water, estuaries and the surf; strongly euryhaline.
Description
The red drum is a robust croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 1.55 metres. The sturdy body is copper-red to bronze on the back and bears one or more black eyespots near the tail base, which mislead predators. Like other drums it can make a drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species lives in coastal water, estuaries and the surf along the southeastern coast of North America and the Gulf of Mexico and tolerates strongly varying salinities. With its strong jaws it seeks crabs, shrimps, shellfish and small fish on the bottom. It is one of the most popular sport fish of the southeastern USA and is also farmed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red drum?
The Red drum has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Large, copper-red drum with one or more black eyespots at the tail base; produces a drumming sound with its swim bladder.
Where does the Red drum live?
The Red drum lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic along the southeast coast of North America and the Gulf of Mexico, in coastal water, estuaries and the surf; strongly euryhaline.
How big does the Red drum get?
The Red drum grows to a maximum of about 155 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Red drum dangerous to humans?
No, the Red drum is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red drum edible?
Yes, the Red drum is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Red drum and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Red drum?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red drum is one of 12,519 species in the app.