Snapper fish are a popular target for anglers and a beloved dish on menus everywhere. These fish are known for their ability to adapt to varying surroundings, ranging from warm tropical oceans to freezing cold waters.
In this article, we will explore 13 different types of snapper fish ranked by size. We will also provide interesting facts about these fish, such as where they live and how to distinguish between different types of snapper fish.
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Whether you are an angler or just a seafood lover, this article will provide you with valuable information about these fascinating fish.
13 Different Types Of Snapper Fish Ranked By Size
Cubera Snapper
The Cubera Snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) is the largest snapper species in the world. It can grow up to 125 pounds and is common to 40 pounds. The maximum total length recorded for this species is 160 cm (63 in), although a length of 90 cm (35 in) is more typical.
The cubera snapper has an oval-shaped, rather streamlined, elongate body, which is less deep than many other snapper species. It has a pair of front nostrils and a pair of rear nostrils that are simple holes in its snout.
The mouth is relatively large with thick lips. The jaws are equipped with canine teeth, one enlarged pair being visible when the mouth is closed.
The cubera snapper is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from as far north as Nova Scotia to as far south as Santa Catarina in Brazil, and throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico and around Bermuda. It feeds on fishes and larger crustaceans. In the Keys, it spawns during later.
Mutton Snapper
The Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The mutton snapper has an almond-shaped body, with a nearly lunate caudal fin. The dorsal fin is almost two-lobed, and it has a sharply pointed anal fin. The pectoral fin is long, extending just past the origin of the anal fin. Both pairs of nostrils are simple holes, and it has small eyes.
The mutton snapper is olive on top, with a red tint on its sides and underside. Small aggregations of mutton snapper may form during the day, disbanding at night. These fish may be found at depths ranging from 80 – 310 feet (25-95 m).
The flesh of the mutton snapper is marketed fresh as well as frozen and is considered an exceptionally good quality food fish. The relatively small teeth of the mutton snapper are similar in both jaws, and it has a v-shaped vomerine tooth patch on the upper palate with small sharp teeth used to hold.
Vermilion Snapper
The Vermilion Snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Vermilion Snapper:
– The Vermilion Snapper is also known as the clubhead snapper, night snapper, Brian’s red fish, or beeliner.
– It has an elongated, oblong body, with a short snout, a slightly protruding lower jaw, and a small mouth.
– There are two pairs of nostrils on the snout, front and rear, which are simple holes.
– The upper jaw slides underneath the cheekbones when the mouth is shut.
– 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.
– The Vermilion Snapper is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina and Bermuda south along the eastern coast of the United States to the Bahamas, then through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea southwards along the eastern coast of South America as far as Santa Catarina, Brazil.
– It is found at depths between 20 and 300 m (66 and 984 ft).
– The Vermilion Snapper is subjected to severe fishing pressure almost everywhere it is found, being a target species for commercial fishing.
– Vermilion Snapper taste quite similar to Red Snapper, with a sweet, mild meat that just melts in the mouth.
– However, most people agree that Red Snapper is tastier, and it’s much bigger.
The Vermilion Snapper is a regulated nongame species, and there are bag and size limits for recreational fishing.
Queen Snapper
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The Queen Snapper (Etelis oculatus) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Queen Snapper:
– The Queen Snapper is also known as the night snapper or brim snapper.
– It is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, and is the only species in the genus Etelis found outside the Indo-Pacific region.
– The Queen Snapper has a deep, elongated body, with a moderately pointed snout and large red eyes.
– The upper head and body are red to deep pink, paler pink below, and the fins are pink except for the spiny dorsal fin, which is not pink.
– It reaches a maximum length of 95 cm (37 in).
– The Queen Snapper is a bathydemersal species, which is found at depths between 100 and 450 m (330 and 1,480 ft).
– Adults are found over rock substrates where they feed mainly on fish and squid, while juveniles are found in mid-water and will feed on crustaceans.
– Spawning takes place through most of the year, peaking towards the end of the year, and spring seems to be when these fish are not reproductively active.
– The Queen Snapper is a popular game fish, prized for its delicate, sweet flesh.
– It is commonly caught by commercial and recreational fishermen, and is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas.
Overall, the Queen Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its delicious meat and is an important target for commercial and recreational fishing.
Midnight Snapper
The Midnight Snapper (Macolor macularis) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Midnight Snapper:
– The Midnight Snapper is also known as the midnight seaperch or black and white snapper.
– It is native to the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
– The Midnight Snapper has a moderately deep body with a rather convex forehead and a large mouth.
– The preoperculum has a deep incision on its lower margin, and there is a row of conical teeth in the jaws, with the ones in the front being enlarged.
– The vomerine teeth are arranged in a triangular patch, and there are bands of bristle-like teeth on the sides of the upper jaw and front of the lower jaw inside the outer row.
– The Midnight Snapper can be recognised by its colouration, which includes a yellowish-brown head with blue spots and lines, a gold iris, and gold and blue scribbles on the head and breast.
– It has white flecks on its fins and body scales, often with an orange or yellow tinge.
– The Midnight Snapper inhabits steep slopes of lagoon, channel, or seaward reefs, commonly on deep reef slopes and may be in small groups.
– It is a gamefish and is sometimes caught by recreational fishermen.
– The Midnight Snapper is not commonly targeted by commercial fisheries, but it is sometimes caught as bycatch.
Overall, the Midnight Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is known for its unique colouration and is sometimes caught by recreational fishermen.
Yellowtail Snapper
The Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Here are some interesting facts about the Yellowtail Snapper:
– The Yellowtail Snapper is a beautiful fish with a striking yellow tail that is one of the most sought-after fish for human consumption.
– It has a bright yellow stripe from the tip of its snout, through its eye, back along the midline, expanding at the rear to cover all of the tail base and all of the tail fin.
– The back and upper sides of the Yellowtail Snapper are blue to violet with scattered yellow spots, and it has a prominent mid-lateral yellow band running from the snout to the caudal fin base.
– The Yellowtail Snapper is mostly found around coral reefs, but may be found in other habitats.
– It is a semi-pelagic transient species that sticks out among the ~113 species found in the snapper family of Lutjanidae.
– The Yellowtail Snapper is a popular gamefish and is commonly caught by recreational fishermen.
– It is also an important commercial species, with fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
– The Yellowtail Snapper is a relatively small snapper, growing to a maximum length of around 18 inches.
– It is a fast-growing species, with a lifespan of up to 14 years.
– The Yellowtail Snapper is the only known member of its genus.
Overall, the Yellowtail Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its striking appearance and delicious meat. It is an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing.
Schoolmaster Snapper
The Schoolmaster Snapper (Lutjanus apodus) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Schoolmaster Snapper:
– The Schoolmaster Snapper is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
– It is a relatively small snapper, growing to a maximum length of around 18 inches.
– The Schoolmaster Snapper has an elongated, slightly compressed body, with a pointed snout and a large mouth.
– It is generally olive-green to brownish on the upper body, with a reddish tinge on the lower body and fins.
– The Schoolmaster Snapper is a popular food fish, with excellent food quality.
– However, consumption of this species has been linked to ciguatera poisoning in humans.
– The Schoolmaster Snapper is sought after by both recreational and commercial fishermen, but it is not as frequently targeted by commercial fisheries as other sympatric Lutjanus snappers.
– It is a relatively slow-growing species, with a lifespan of up to 20 years.
– The Schoolmaster Snapper is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas.
– It is an important species in coral reef ecosystems, where it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
Overall, the Schoolmaster Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for recreational fishing.
Northern Red Snapper
The Northern Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Northern Red Snapper:
– The Northern Red Snapper is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, where it inhabits environments associated with reefs.
– It is a popular game fish and is also commercially important.
– The Northern Red Snapper is a relatively large snapper, growing to a maximum length of around 40 inches and a weight of 50 pounds.
– It is a slow-growing species, with a lifespan of up to 57 years.
– The Northern Red Snapper is a deep-bodied fish, with a pointed snout and a large mouth.
– It is generally red to pinkish on the upper body, with a lighter pink underside.
– The Northern Red Snapper is an active predator, feeding on smaller fishes, crustaceans, octopuses, squids, and other prey.
– The Northern Red Snapper is an important species in coral reef ecosystems, where it plays a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
– The Northern Red Snapper is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas, and its populations have declined in recent years due to overfishing.
– The Northern Red Snapper is managed under rebuilding plans that allow limited harvest by U.S. fishermen.
Overall, the Northern Red Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing. However, its populations have declined in recent years, and it is important to manage this species sustainably to ensure its long-term survival.
Blackfin Snapper
The Blackfin Snapper (Lutjanus buccanella) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Blackfin Snapper:
– The Blackfin Snapper is also known as the blackspot snapper, blackfin red snapper, gun-mouth backfin, gun-mouth snapper, redfish, and wrenchman.
– It has the typical almond-shaped body of the snappers in the genus Lutjanus, with a relatively deep and laterally compressed body.
– The dorsal fin is continuous but has two lobes, the caudal fin is truncate, the pectoral fins are long, and the anal fin is rounded.
– The mouth is large with a slightly protrusible upper jaw that slips under the cheekbone when the mouth is closed.
– Each jaw has at least one row of pointed conical teeth, some of which have developed into canines.
– The Blackfin Snapper is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Bermuda and North Carolina southwards along the Atlantic coast of the United States to the Bahamas, then west into the Gulf of Mexico from the Florida Keys, the Flower Garden Banks and vicinity to Veracruz, Mexico south to the northern Yucatan Peninsula and northwestern Cuba.
– It also extends throughout the Caribbean Sea, along the South American coast as far south as Sao Paulo, Brazil.
– The Blackfin Snapper is a carnivorous predator, feeding near the bottom of the ocean.
– It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on any small fish within range, and young Blackfin Snapper feed on shrimp, worms, and other small invertebrates, switching to small finfish as they mature.
– The Blackfin Snapper is a popular game and excellent food fish, sometimes marketed as red snapper.
– It is caught with handlines, rod and reel, traps, and gill nets, and is mainly a recreational sportfish rather than a commercial fish.
– There have been a few reports of ciguatera poisoning from human consumption of this snapper.
– The Blackfin Snapper is generally red in color, silvery-red below, with yellowish caudal, anal, and pelvic fins.
– There is a distinct dark comma-shaped mark at the base of the pectoral fins, giving this fish its common name.
Overall, the Blackfin Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for recreational fishing.
Gray Snapper
The Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Sea. Here are some interesting facts about the Gray Snapper:
– The Gray Snapper is also known as the mangrove snapper or black snapper.
– It is a relatively small snapper, growing to a maximum length of around 18 inches and a weight of 10 pounds.
– The Gray Snapper has a relatively slender body, a large mouth, and a pointed snout.
– The anal fin is rounded, and the pectoral fins are short, not reaching the anal fin.
– The Gray Snapper is generally gray with darker dorsal and caudal fins, but can display wide variations of small spots, pale bars, or fin tip coloration.
– The Gray Snapper is found in a wide variety of habitats, including brackish and fresh waters.
– It is commercially important and is sought after as a game fish.
– The Gray Snapper feeds mostly on small fishes, shrimps, crabs, gastropods, and cephalopods.
– It is an important species in coral reef ecosystems, where it plays a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
– The Gray Snapper is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas, and its populations have declined in recent years due to overfishing.
– The Gray Snapper is a great-tasting fish and is in high demand.
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Overall, the Gray Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing. However, its populations have declined in recent years, and it is important to manage this species sustainably to ensure its long-term survival.
Sailfin Snapper
The Sailfin Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Sailfin Snapper:
– The Sailfin Snapper is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
– It is a relatively small snapper, growing to a maximum length of around 18 inches.
– The Sailfin Snapper has a moderately deep body, a pointed snout, and a large mouth.
– The dorsal fin is continuous but has two lobes, and the anal fin is rounded.
– The Sailfin Snapper is generally reddish-brown on the upper body, with a lighter underside and a yellowish tail.
– The Sailfin Snapper is a carnivorous predator, feeding on small fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
– It is an important species in coral reef ecosystems, where it plays a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
– The Sailfin Snapper is a popular game fish and is also commercially important.
– It is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas.
– The Sailfin Snapper is sometimes caught by recreational fishermen, but it is not as frequently targeted by commercial fisheries as other sympatric Lutjanus snappers.
Overall, the Sailfin Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing.
Pink Snapper
The Pink Snapper (Pagrus auratus) is a species of porgie found in coastal waters of Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, and New Zealand. Here are some interesting facts about the Pink Snapper:
– The Pink Snapper is also known as the Australasian Snapper or Silver Seabream.
– It is a silvery pink to coppery-pink seabream, becoming pale silvery below, with many small electric blue spots scattered on upper sides (especially in juveniles).
– The Pink Snapper is a popular game fish and is also commercially important.
– It is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas.
– The Pink Snapper is an important species in coral reef ecosystems, where it plays a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
– The Pink Snapper is sometimes used as a bioindicator of aquatic environmental health.
– The Pink Snapper is a popular food fish, with excellent food quality.
– The Pink Snapper is sometimes referred to as “red bream” or “pinkies” when at legal size, and “snapper” when at full size.
– The Pink Snapper is found in rocky reefs and estuaries, as well as in shallow, sheltered marine waters.
Overall, the Pink Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing.
Crimson Snapper
The Crimson Snapper is a common name for two different species of fish: Pristipomoides filamentosus, more commonly known as the crimson jobfish, and Lutjanus erythropterus. Here are some interesting facts about the Crimson Snapper:
– The Crimson Snapper is a tropical species found across northern Australia but fished and managed by different jurisdictions.
– The vast majority of the catch comes from the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia.
– The Crimson Snapper is a member of the Lutjanidae family, which includes many other species of snapper.
– The Crimson Snapper is a popular food fish, with excellent food quality.
– It is a carnivorous predator, feeding on small fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
– The Crimson Snapper is an important species in coral reef ecosystems, where it plays a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
– The Crimson Snapper is regulated by size and bag limits in some areas.
– The Crimson Snapper is sometimes referred to as “red bream” or “pinkies” when at legal size, and “snapper” when at full size.
– The Crimson Snapper is a versatile fish that can be prepared in a wide range of ways, including grilling, baking, and frying.
– The Crimson Snapper is done when its internal temperature reaches 137°F.
Overall, the Crimson Snapper is a fascinating species of snapper that is highly valued for its food quality and is an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing.
FAQS
1. What are the different types of snapper fish ranked by size?
The 13 different types of snapper fish ranked by size are Yellowtail Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Gray Snapper, Blackfin Snapper, Sailfin Snapper, Crimson Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Queen Snapper, Northern Red Snapper, Midnight Snapper, Pink Snapper, and Cubera Snapper.
2. What is the average size of a snapper fish?
The average size of a snapper fish varies depending on the species. Some snapper species can grow up to 40 inches, while others only grow up to 18 inches.
3. Where are snapper fish found?
Snapper fish are found in various locations around the world, including the western Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and coastal waters of Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, and New Zealand.
4. What do snapper fish eat?
Snapper fish are carnivorous predators that feed on small fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
5. Are snapper fish endangered?
Some species of snapper fish are endangered due to overfishing and habitat destruction. It is important to manage these species sustainably to ensure their long-term survival.
6. Are snapper fish good to eat?
Yes, snapper fish are highly valued for their food quality and are an important target for both commercial and recreational fishing.
7. How are snapper fish regulated?
Snapper fish are regulated by size and bag limits in some areas to ensure their populations are managed sustainably.
8. What is the difference between snapper and sea bream?
Snapper and sea bream are two different species of fish. While they may look similar, they belong to different families and have different characteristics.
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