Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Red drum
photo by Lovshin, L.

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  155 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 45 kg; max. reported age: 50 years
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range - 10 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Massachusetts in USA to northern Mexico, including southern Florida, USA.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs usually over sand and sandy mud bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries. Abundant in surf zone. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, mollusks and fishes. Utilized fresh and frozen; can be pan-fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 January 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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