Common names
Snapper, Genuine red snapper, American reds, Spot snapper, Northern red snapper
Red snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
- Saltwater
- Vulnerable
Max length39.25 in
Common length23.5 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight48 lb 8 oz
Depth range33 - 624 ft
Max age57 years
Water typeSaltwater
Water temperature66 - 81 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Red snapper's body is very similar in shape to other snappers. All feature a sloped profile, medium-to-large scales, a spiny dorsal fin, and a laterally compressed body. Red snapper have short, sharp, needle-like teeth. The body is pinkish-red in colour, with more intense pigment on the back, fading to a white belly. Juvenile fish can also have a dark spot on their sides, below the anterior soft dorsal rays, which fade with age. Red snapper in deeper waters tend to be redder than those caught in shallower waters. Their snout is long and triangular, they have red eyes, and the rear of the anal fin is pointed. Their jaws are equal, with the lower one sometimes slightly projecting. They have enlarged canine teeth, which is why they are called “snappers".
Habitat
Red snappers live in three different habitats during the course of their lives. Larval red snapper swim freely within the water column. Juveniles live in shallow waters over sandy or muddy bottom habitats. Adults live on the bottom, usually near hard structures on the continental shelf that have moderate to high relief (for example, coral reefs, artificial reefs, rocks, ledges, and caves), sloping soft-bottom areas, and limestone deposits.
Distribution
Red snapper are generally found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the eastern coasts of North America, Central America, and northern South America. They are rare north of the Carolinas.
Behaviour
Spawning occurs from June through September. Red snapper feed on fish, shrimp, crab, worms, cephalopods (octopus or squid), and some plankton (tiny floating plants and animals).
Edibility
They have a sweet, mild but unique flavour. They have a peculiarly fresh, almost nutty flavour. Red snapper flesh is considered delicious and the throats are considered a delicacy. May contain ciguatera toxin.
Lure suggestion
Snappers will take soft-bodied jigs, metal vibration lures, bucktails and spoons. Drop these live baits/artificial lures deep down with a heavy-duty pole and you may be able to coax some out of their holes and deep-covered areas. Good lures: live or dead cigar minnows, pilchards, pinfish, pogies, or squid.
Similar species
Other similar species
Silk snapper, L. vivanus (has a yellow eye), Vermilion snapper, R. aurorubens (has rounded anal fin) Size: Up to 36 inches (35 pounds)