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Red Snapper

Lutjanus campechanus
Managed by: NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Southeast
Protected status
None
Also known as
SnapperGenuine red snapperAmerican redsSpot snapper

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Up to 36 inches (35 pounds)
Similar species
Silk snapper, L. vivanus (has a yellow eye); and vermilion snapper, R. aurorubens (has rounded anal fin) Size: Up to 36 inches (35 pounds)
Appearance
  • Body is pinkish-red in color, fading to a white belly
  • Snout long and triangular
  • Red eye
  • Rear of anal fin pointed
  • No dark spot on sides in adults
Habitat
Offshore near structure. Juveniles are found over sand or mud bottoms.
Behavior
Spawn from June to October. Sexual maturity is attained at age 2. Adults can live more than 20 years, possibly even up to 60 years. Feed on crustaceans and fish.
Additional information
State Record:Recreational RegulationsSee a full list of our Social Media accountsSubscribe:AboutThe CommissionCommission MeetingsWildlife AlertCalendar of EventsOutlook E-mailLimited English Proficiency PlanOffice of Supplier DevelopmentAmericans with DisabilitiesEEO/AAPrivacy StatementSitemap2025 Agency Regulatory Plan

Seafood Profile

Powered by NOAA FishWatch data. Availability and detail varies by species.

NOAA FishWatch
Population
The Gulf of America* (formerly Gulf of Mexico) stock is not overfished. The South Atlantic stock is overfished, but the fishing rate under a rebuilding plan promotes growth.
Fishing rate
The Gulf of America stock is not subject to overfishing. The South Atlantic stock is reduced to end overfishing.
Bycatch
Regulations require modified fishing gear to reduce bycatch. Release techniques improve the chance of survival of unintentionally caught fish.
Taste
Red snapper has a sweetly mild but distinctive flavor.
Texture
Red snapper is semi-firm, lean, and moist.
Color
The meat is pinkish with yellow tones when raw and turns somewhat lighter when cooked. Red snapper have trademark red skin and red eyes and come from domestic fisheries. To aid in identification, they are usually sold with the skin on.
Health benefits
Red snapper is low in saturated fat and sodium and is a very good source of protein.
Sources
Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady