Red Snapper, Redfish

(Lutjanus campechanus)

 

Maturity at: 25 cm in length

Max Published Size: 100 cm and 51 pounds

TnT Record: 30 pounds (unofficial)

TnT Season: Year round

IUCN status: Least concern

 

 

General Information: Highly esteemd snapper that lives in rocky bottoms from 30 to 200 ft deep, also oil rigs and shipwrecks. Often forms large schools of similar size individuals. They have a wide variety of prey, but have a preference for small fish and crustaceans. They reach sexual maturity at around two years of age and can live up to 50 years. High commercail and recreational importance, marketed fresh.  Heavily exploited in American waters where it is now closely protected; shrimp fishing, accused of destroying young snappers.  Highly appreciated and demanded in Trinidad and Tobago waters.