Sciaenops ocellatus, commonly known as the red drum or redfish, is known for its copper-bronze body with a distinctive black spot near the tail. This coastal fish thrives in estuarine and nearshore environments, often found in seagrass beds and sandy bottoms. It is a popular game fish due to its strong fight and resilience.

Sciaenops ocellatus, commonly known as the red drum or redfish, is native to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is primarily found along the eastern coast of the United States from Massachusetts to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, extending to the northern coast of Mexico.

Red drum typically inhabit coastal and estuarine environments, including seagrass beds, sandy and muddy bottoms, tidal flats, and channels. They are often found in brackish waters of estuaries and bays where freshwater mixes with seawater, although they can also venture into freshwater rivers and lakes.

Red drum are benthic feeders, adapting to a variety of bottom conditions. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, while also being a target for larger predatory fish and birds. Their adaptability to different salinity levels and habitats allows them to thrive in various estuarine environments.