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: One of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.

Remarks: Red drum are 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; sudden cold snaps may kill red drum in shallow, Inshore waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish, and mollusks; longevity to 20 years of more.