RED SNAPPER – Lutjanus campechanus
Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Descriptions: color pinkish red over entire body, whitish below; long triangular snout; anal fin sharply pointed; no dark lateral spot; red eye.
Similar fish: silk snapper, L. vivanus.
Where found: OFFSHORE on the continental shelf, more plentiful off the Panhandle than in south or middle Florida.
Size: to 20 pounds
Remarks: juveniles occur over sandy or mud bottoms and are often taken in shrimp trawls; adults may live more than 20 years, and attain 35 pounds or more; sexual maturity attained at age 2; spawns June to October; feeds on crustaceans and fish.
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