So from the title, you may think that today’s Wild Fact is going to be about musical instruments.  Well, that isn’t exactly the case.  Instead we are heading to the Ocean to learn about a huge game fish called the Red Drum.  Don’t worry though, today’s Fact will still be music to your ears.  So not sure if you have ever heard of a Red Drum before?  Well, perhaps you know their 3 million other names (okay, so maybe I am exaggerating a little).  These giant fish are also known as Channel Bass, Redfish, Spottail Bass or just plain ol’ Reds.  Now do you know what fish we are talking about?

The Red Drum usually occurs along the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  When discussing a fish such as the Channel Bass, you will always have to bring up their size.  This incredible fish is able to weigh up to 110 lbs, however, they don’t usually taste very good when they get to this phenomenal size.  Nonetheless, I bet it would still be a lot of fun to catch one of those monsters.

Have you ever wondered how fish such as these Reds are able to get to such a large size?  Well, if they can manage to escape all of the anglers looking for a tasty meal, the Red Drum is able to live up to 60 years.  This gives them plenty of time to feed on fish, crabs and shrimp.  Besides fishing enthusiasts they need to be on the lookout for turtles, larger fish and birds which are all trying to prematurely end the Red Drum’s life.  I am just picturing a bird trying to pull a 110 lb fish out of the water.  That would be one massive bird!

You may think that the Red Drum gets its name because the person who discovered it was a drummer but this isn’t the case.  In fact, the fish itself is the drummer.  That’s right, during mating season the males will try to impress the females by vibrating their muscles in their swim bladder.  This creates a nice drumming sound.  I guess it doesn’t matter what species of animal – the girls are always attracted to rock stars.

Well, now I am  tired from fishing for facts on these massive game fish so I think I will need to end the fact here.  Have a great day!