Redfish, also known as red drum, are a highly sought-after species found in coastal waters across the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They are recognized as opportunistic predators, meaning their diet is not fixed but changes based on what is available. The types of food redfish consume vary significantly, reflecting their adaptability as they grow and move through different habitats.
Diet Across Life Stages
The diet of redfish undergoes a notable transformation as they progress through different life stages, adapting to their increasing size and changing environments.
When very young, in their larval stage, redfish primarily consume zooplankton, tiny organisms drifting in the water column. These microscopic food sources provide initial nutrients for growth.
As redfish mature into juveniles, their feeding habits shift to include small crustaceans and a variety of small fish. This transition occurs as they grow larger and pursue more substantial prey. Common prey items include small shrimp, such as grass shrimp and mysid shrimp, as well as small fish species like silversides, killifish, and young croakers. Juveniles often inhabit shallow waters and estuaries where these prey are abundant.
Adult redfish, particularly larger individuals known as “bull reds,” primarily consume larger fish and crabs. Their diet reflects increased size and predatory capabilities, allowing them to target more significant prey. Atlantic menhaden, mullet, and various croakers are common fish prey, alongside larger crabs such as blue crabs, stone crabs, and mud crabs. While fish and crabs form the bulk of their diet, adult redfish may also occasionally eat other items like worms or small eels, depending on what is available.
Environmental and Behavioral Factors
The feeding habits of redfish are influenced by a combination of environmental conditions and their inherent behaviors.
Local ecosystems play a significant role, as the availability and abundance of specific prey items in a given region directly impact what redfish consume. Areas rich in certain types of shrimp or baitfish will likely see those items feature prominently in the redfish diet. Redfish show a preference for areas with structure, such as oyster beds, grass mats, and jetties, which also serve as habitats for their prey.
Seasonal changes also alter redfish food sources and feeding patterns. In fall, redfish may feed heavily on shrimp migrating out of marsh areas. Warmer summer temperatures increase metabolism, prompting more frequent feeding on abundant baitfish like mullet and menhaden. During cooler months, redfish might be in shallow estuaries, but as temperatures rise, they may seek deeper, cooler waters, altering feeding locations.
Redfish exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviors, using different methods to capture prey. They are known bottom feeders, using downturned mouths to root in mud and substrate for crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. This “vacuuming” technique locates hidden prey. Larger redfish also actively hunt baitfish near the surface, demonstrating predatory versatility. Their ability to adapt feeding strategies to different prey and environmental conditions contributes to their success.