A large number of species occur here, and in terms of numbers of individuals they are only rivaled in the lagoon by mullets and anchovies. Most species are considered good food and game fish, popular among fishermen. They are bottom dwellers common in muddy bays and estuaries.
Most species are carnivorous.
These are actually sense organs the fish use like a nose to help them find buried food, such as crabs and molluscs. The red drum, or redfish, is probably the drum most sought- after by sport fishermen. Red drum live inshore in the lagoon, but spawning may take place in nearshore coastal waters between August and November. This species is sensitive to cold, and sudden cold snaps can kill them. Red drum feed mainly on crustaceans, fish and molluscs.