Red Snapper

Scientific Name:
Lutjanus peru

Vernacular Names:
Es/Sp: Pargo rojo, Huachinango, Pargo de Golfo
Fr/Fr: Vivaneau campeche, Sarde rouge
In/En: Red snapper, American red snapper
Other: Vermelho (Portuguese), Roodvis (Dutch), Chillo (Spanish)

Local Names:
Cuba: Pargo
México: Huachinango
Puerto Rico: Chillo
Venezuela: Pargo, Pargo colorado
Brazil: Vermelho

Commercial Names: Red snapper, American red snapper, Gulf red snapper, Pargo

Simile of International Trade: Widely traded demersal species, valued for quality white flesh

Fishing Season: Year-round, with peak spawning season between May and September.

Geographical Distribution: Western Atlantic: Common from North Carolina, U.S. through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and south to northern South America. Most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States.

Habitat and Biology: Demersal, bottom-dwelling species. Juveniles inhabit shallow waters over sandy or muddy bottoms, while adults gather near reefs, rocky outcrops, ledges, oil rigs, and other hard structures at depths of 30 to 200 meters. Opportunistic feeders on fish, crab, shrimp, squid, worms, and other marine organisms. Spawning occurs from May to September, with females releasing large batches of eggs every few days during the season. Known for long lifespan (can live over 50 years).

Length: Commonly caught individuals are 40–60 cm (16–24 in), but they can reach up to 100 cm (39 in) in length and weigh over 22 kg (50 pounds)