Sciaenops ocellatus

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Red drum
French : Tambour rouge, Ombrine ocellée

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Eupercaria i. s. (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Sciaenidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 1.55 m in length for a weight of 45 kg and can live as long as 50 years. Large rounded snout, large mouth. Coloration is golden-brown on back and flanks. Lower flanks and belly are white. Black spot near tail peduncle.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from North USA coasts to Gulf of Mexico and south to Venezuela. Lives in coastal waters and estuaries, over muddy and sandy bottoms.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread within its big range. The species has been threatened in the past by overexploitation. Populations have partly recovered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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