Redfish

Credit: Illustration by Diane Rome Peebles

Family Sciaenidae

Other local names: red drum

Description: chin without barbels; copper-bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large

Similar fish: black drum, Pogonias cromis

Where found: juveniles are an inshore fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population offshore

Size: common to 20 pounds

Remarks: red drum are an inshore species until they attain roughly 30 inches (4 years), then migrate to join the nearshore population; spawning occurs from August to November in nearshore waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish, and mollusks; longevity to 20 years or more