Fish
Poisson
Southern red snapper
Lutjanus purpureus
Out of season
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Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
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Minimum size
Description
Body: Relatively tall and laterally compressed. Coloration: The body and fins are a deep red or reddish-pink, becoming silvery on the belly. There is a small black spot at the upper base of the pectoral fin. The eyes are large with a red iris. It commonly measures 45 cm, but can reach a maximum length of 100 cm and weigh up to 7 kg. It is an active predator that feeds mainly on fish, shrimp, crabs, and various other benthic invertebrates (cephalopods, stomatopods).
Habitat
A marine and benthic species (living near the seafloor). It is generally found at depths of 30 to 160 meters, but can descend to depths of up to 190 meters. It prefers rocky areas, coral reefs, and seafloors covered with shell debris.
Distribution
Western Atlantic. Found from the Caribbean Sea (West Indies) and along the coasts of South America, from Venezuela to southern Brazil. It is a species of great economic importance in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Brazilian continental shelf.