Red Drum
Latin Name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Species: Fish
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
The red drum- also commonly referred to as redfish, spottail bass, channel bass, or simply reds- is easily recognizable due to its iconic spotted tail, which sets it apart from other sciaenid species. Fish in the Sciaenidae family are also known as “drums” because of a sonic muscle structure found on their swim bladder, which produces loud drumming sounds when vibrated. While juvenile red drum may appear silver in color, adults display vibrant reddish-bronze hues. It is common to find one oscillated spot on their body, but very rare to find several hundred. Large adults, known as bulls, can weigh over 50 pounds and reach lengths of up to 45 inches. South Carolina’s state record, caught in 1965, weighed 75 pounds.
Range & Habitat (map)
Red drum range from Massachusetts to Key West, Florida and along the Gulf Coast to Tupxan, Mexico, often living in estuarine and nearshore areas.
Diet
Red drum are predatory fish and forage on the bottom of the water or near marsh edges. Adults feed on smaller fish and crabs, while juveniles will also eat shrimp, zooplankton, and other smaller invertebrates.
Life History
Juvenile drums tend to inhabit shallow estuarine waters where they can easily find food and remain hidden from predators. Adult bull drums stay offshore during the winter but migrate to inshore waters during the summer and fall to form spawning groups. These spawning groups usually form around the mouth of sounds and bays, when the water temperature ranges between 26-28 degrees Celsius. During this time, male drum produce a distinctive drumming sound to attract females, who exhibit sexual selection by choosing males with louder and longer calls.
Significance
Red drum are a popular recreational fish in South Carolina. They are also involved in research being conducted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). SCDNR conducts longline, trammel net, and estuarine trawl surveys to monitor recreational fish populations and make science-based management decisions. USCB studies underwater soundscapes, using noises made by species like red drum to learn more about their life history and the health of the Port Royal Sound.
Threats & How You Can Help
A major conservation priority for red drum in South Carolina is better understanding spawning behaviors and protecting spawning fish. Places like SCDNR’s Waddell Mariculture Center help raise and release red drum to bolster wild populations, as well as conducting research to learn more about survival and growth of red drum. Loss or contamination of estuarine habitats will also affect these fish. If fishing for red drum, it is important to follow all regulations including size, catch, and seasonal limits. Purchasing a Saltwater Fishing License is required to fish recreationally in the Port Royal Sound, and also contributes money towards conservation.
Additional Resources
https://portroyalsoundfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022-PRSF-State-of-the-Sound-Symposium-Proceedings.pdf