Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus
What’s in a name? This fish’s moniker comes from the drumming sound it makes during reproduction!
ORIGIN:
West Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Mexico
HABITAT:
Bays, estuaries and seagrass beds
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
Up to 50 lbs
Length: Up to 5 ft
DIET:
Crabs and smaller fish
PREDATORS:
Birds and larger fish
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Eyespot on tail may confuse predators
REPRODUCTION:
Hatching occurs 30 hrs after spawning
THREATS:
Unknown
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Over 50 yrs in the wild