Range: The
Red Snapper ranges from North Carolina to the Florida Keys
and throughout the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan. They are
commonly found in waters of 30 to 200ft (10 to 60m) in
depth. Adult members of this species inhabit rocky
hard-bottom substrates, ledges, ridges, and artificial
reefs, including offshore oil rigs and shipwrecks. Juveniles
on the other hand inhabit shallow waters over sandy or muddy
bottom habitat.
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Similar Species: The
Vermilion Snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) is similar in
appearance to the Red Snapper. While both species exhibit
red coloration, the Vermilion Snapper have a pale ventral
surface with yellow lines running down the length of their
body. The Vermilion Snapper has a squared-off anal fin
compared to the pointed anal fin of the Red Snapper. |
Vermilion Snapper
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Identification: The
Red Snapper exhibits a sloped profile that is laterally
compressed and a spiny dorsal
fin. Its anal fin is pointed. As its name suggests, the Red
Snapper is reddish in coloration with a greater intensity of
pigment on its dorsal surface. Juveniles have a dark spot
below the spiny/soft dorsal fin interface which fades with
age. |
Juvenile Red Snapper
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Note: Juvenile
Red Snappers have been released on artificial reef habitats
off the coast of Sarasota, FL to conduct investigations into
the use of hatchery-reared juveniles to supplement native
populations in the Gulf of Mexico. Data is continuing to be
gathered.
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