Red Drum

Sciaenops ocellatus

Least Concern Both

Max Length

155.0 cm

Max Weight

45.0 kg

Color

Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with …

Depth Range

10-?m

Family

Sciaenidae

About

The red drum, or redfish, is an iconic inshore game fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Identified by the distinctive black spot at the base of its tail, it feeds by tipping head-down in shallow water, exposing its copper-colored tail.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	155.0 cm
Maximum Weight	45.0 kg
Depth Range	10-?m

Coloration

Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with a characteristic black eyespot at the upper tail base; back is darker bronze-olive; belly pale to silvery; fins match body tone with dusky margins.

Habitat & Distribution

Estuaries

Water Type

Freshwater & Saltwater

Depth Range

10-?m

Geographic Range

Western North Atlantic from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Adults favor open nearshore reefs and coastal surf zones while juveniles inhabit grass flats and tidal estuaries.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Red Drum is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

7/5

Recommended Bait

cut mullet, live shrimp, gold spoons, soft plastics

Taxonomy

Order	Perciformes (Perch-like fishes)
Family	Sciaenidae (Drums and croakers)
Species	Sciaenops ocellatus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Arabic	سمكة ذئب القنوات
Chinese (Simplified)	美国红鱼
French	Tambour rouge
German	Roter Trommler
Korean	점성어
Spanish	Corvinón ocelado

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Red Drum?

Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.

How big does Red Drum get?

Red Drum can grow up to 155.0 cm long and weigh 45.0 kg.

Where is Red Drum found?

Is Red Drum endangered?

The conservation status of Red Drum is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Red Drum belong to?

Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) belongs to the family Sciaenidae (Drums and croakers) in the order Perciformes (Perch-like fishes).