Home · Lutjanidae · Pacific red snapper
Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) — Lutjanidae

Pacific red snapper

Lutjanus peru
Family: Lutjanidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 95 cm.

Length
95 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–40.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Pacific red snapper is a snapper (Lutjanidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a deep, red-pink body with red fins. Adults live over hard bottoms in inshore reef areas to at least 80 m deep. As a predator it feeds on larger invertebrates and fishes. It is one of the most important commercial snappers of the region; it is marketed fresh. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacific red snapper?

The Pacific red snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Pacific red snapper live?

The Pacific red snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Pacific red snapper get?

The Pacific red snapper grows to a maximum of about 95 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Pacific red snapper dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific red snapper is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacific red snapper edible?

Yes, the Pacific red snapper is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische rode snapper sourced
English name
Pacific red snapper verified
Scientific name
Lutjanus peru
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Pacific red snapper verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
95.0 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Wordt met hand- en grondlijnen en hengel op kustriffen bevist. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lutjanus

More from the family Lutjanidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →