Red drum

Channel bass
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Croakers
Scientific Family Sciaenidae
Scientific Name Sciaenops ocellatus
Spanish Name Corvineta ocelada
ITIS# 169290
Tail shape Truncate

Red drum are a dark red color on the back, which fades into white on the belly. The red drum has a characteristic eyespot near the tail and is somewhat streamlined.Having multiple spots is not uncommon for this fish, but having no spots is extremely rare. As the fish with multiple spots grow older, they seem to lose their excess spots.


Biology

Occurs over sand and sandy mud sea bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries. Abundant in surf zone. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, mollusks and fishes.

Appearance

Body Shape
Fusiform
Color
Main Color: Red-brown
Other Color: white
Common Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped


Pattern
Spotted
Length
Avg Length: 40 inches (100 cm)
Max Length: 62 inches (155 cm)
Maximum Weight
99.1 lbs (45000 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Harmless
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
MA-TX


Abundance
Abundant