Red Snapper, or Lutjanus Campechanus, are prized fish, and in recent years have become closely protected in US waters.  They are considered to be the most valuable snapper in their area, found in regions along the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic.  They are seen as far north as Massachusetts, but most rarely travel north of the Carolinas.  Northern Red Snapper are not found in the Caribbean like their southern brothers are. The younger members of the species are usually found in shallow waters in and around mud floors. The adults are found in deeper water, where they surround themselves in shipwrecks and rough, rocky terrain. 

The red eye of the Red Snapper is a distinguishing mark.

Red Snappers spawn more than 20 times a year.  Spawning lasts between 4 to 6 days, and activity peaks during the months or July and August.  As the fish mature, they are able to spawn more frequently and produce more eggs with each event. They typically lay early in the evening, leaving the eggs to float along in the water currents.

A Red Snapper’s diet consists mostly of smaller fish, worms and crustaceans.  They feed mainly on mud bottoms although they are considered to be reef fish. Their bright coloring doesn’t allow them to hide and ambush their prey, so they eat slow moving prey that either can’t see or can’t move fast enough to escape. Red Snappers tend to stay in one location once they reach adulthood, not migrating far unless food supplies are low.

Red Snapper can ofter be caught on fresh bait, jigs, or both.

Shrimp fishing was once considered to be a threat to the Red Snapper, so laws were passed to protect the fish in US waters.  Young Red Snappers would get caught along with the shrimp, hurting the survival of the species. Most wouldn’t be found in the catch until it was too late. These new restrictions have shown improvements in the population, keeping the young snapper out of harm’s way.