Northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 10–190 m.
Scientific name: Lutjanus campechanus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 100 cm
The northern red snapper is a lutjanid whose adults are found over rocky bottoms, with juveniles in shallow waters commonly over sand or mud. It feeds mainly on fishes, shrimps, crabs, worms, cephalopods and some planktonic items including urochordates and gastropods, and it is marketed fresh. It is recorded from 10 to 190 m. It has been heavily exploited, and in American waters it is now closely protected, with shrimp fishing accused of destroying young snappers and currently restricted. Its range is the western Atlantic, in the Gulf of Mexico and along the eastern coast of the United States northward to Massachusetts, though it is rare north of the Carolinas. Maximum length is about 100 cm total length, commonly about 60 cm, and it can live 57 years, maturing at about 39.3 cm. It is a commercial species and a gamefish, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 54 of 100 and resilience very low, and climate vulnerability is moderate to high at 51 of 100. IUCN lists it as vulnerable.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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