Lutjanus campechanus
Red Snapper
Maximum Size:
3.3 ft (1 m); 50.4 lbs (22.8 kg)
Longevity:
More than 50 years.
Typical depth:
33–623 ft (10–190 m)
Behavior:
Red snapper are large, deep-bodied, red fish found around much of the coast of Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and north to Massachusetts. They are often referred to as the northern red snapper, to differentiate them from a similar species, known as the Caribbean red snapper, which is absent in the waters around Florida. They feed mainly on fish, shrimp, crabs and worms.
Predators:
Sharks, grouper, eels and barracuda.
Did you know?
Red snapper are highly sought after as a food fish. They are the most commonly caught snapper in the continental US (almost 50% of the total catch). Studies have shown that many fish sold as red snapper in US restaurants are not actually red snapper at all, but rather similar species of snapper, usually imported from overseas at a reduced price.
