Yellowtail Snapper

Scientific Name:
Ocyurus chrysurus (also sometimes Lutjanus chrysurus)

Vernacular Names:
Es/Sp: Rabirrubia, Rubia
Fr/Fr: Vivaneau queue jaune, Colas, Sarde queue jaune
In/En: Yellowtail snapper, Yellowtail
Pt: Cauda-amarela, Luciano-cauda-amarela
Nl: Geelstaart
Others: Chryzor (Polish), Cioba (Portuguese), Mulata (Portuguese), Sad kola (Creole)

Local Names:
Cuba: Rabirrubia, Cioba
México: Rubia
Puerto Rico: Colirrubia, Chillo cola amarilla
Venezuela: Rubia
Brazil: Cauda-amarela

Commercial Names: Yellowtail snapper, Rabirrubia, Rubia, Cauda-amarela

Simile of International Trade: Widely traded reef-associated demersal species, prized for mild, white flesh

Fishing Season: Available year-round, with peak catches and spawning activity typically from late spring through early fall (May to September).

Geographical Distribution: Western Atlantic: From Massachusetts (USA) and Bermuda, through the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, to southeastern Brazil. Most abundant around South Florida, the Bahamas, and the broader Caribbean region.

Habitat and Biology: Demersal species associated with coral and rocky reefs, typically at depths of 10–70 meters (33–230 feet), but found up to 180 meters (590 feet).

Length: Commonly caught specimens are 25–40 cm (10–16 in).