Common names
Clubhead snapper, Night snapper, Beeliner, Mingo
Vermilion snapper
Rhomboplites aurorubens
- Saltwater
- Vulnerable
Max length23.5 in
Common length13.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight7 lb 1 oz
Depth range132 - 984 ft
Max age10 years
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Vermilion snapper have streamlined, elongated, oblong bodies, with short snouts, a slightly protruding lower jaw and a small mouth. There are no enlarged canines in the jaws and the vomerine teeth are arranged in a triangular or rhombus-shaped patch with a wide rearwards extension and there is a patch of granular teeth on the tongue. They are pale to silvery white below and vermilion (orange-red) above. There is a series of short wavy oblique blue lines on the flanks of the sides above the lateral line which are created by spots on the scales, there may be yellow streaks below the lateral line. Their back (dorsal) fin is rose-coloured with a yellow edge, and the tail (caudal) fin is red with a faint black edge. The pectoral fins contain are comparatively short, not extending as far as the level of the anus. The caudal fin is forked, but not extremely so.
Habitat
The adults occur at moderate depths, most frequently where there are rock, gravel or sand substrates close to the edge of the continental and island shelves, and juveniles are found in shallower waters.
Distribution
Vermilion snapper are found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. It ranges from North Carolina and Bermuda south along the eastern coast of the United States to the Bahamas. Then through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea southwards along the eastern coast of South America as far as Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Behaviour
They spawn from April to September, but most often from June to August. They feed on fish, mollusks, crabs, worms, and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates, as well as squids and plankton (tiny floating plants and animals).
Edibility
Vermilion snapper have a mild and slightly sweet flavour. The fish pairs well with flavours like cilantro, ginger, and soy sauce. Recipes calling for steamed, sauteed, and baked are favourable for this fish.
Lure suggestion
The most popular style of plastic for targeting offshore snapper is a jerkbait style plastic, due to its realistic, narrow baitfish profile and lack of built-in tail action, allowing it to get down to where the fish are, especially in deep water and strong currents. Good bait: squid strips, fresh-cut bonito, ballyhoo or blue runner.
Similar species
Other similar species
Silk snapper, Blackfin snapper, Queen snapper