Golden snapper
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit coastal rocky and coral reefs up to at least 40 m depth . During the day they form schools of 30 or more individuals, which sometimes remain stationary . Juveniles are seen associated with schools of Chromis atrilobata . Feed on invertebrates and fish and may also ingest plankton. Marketed fresh and frozen .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11. Snout very pointed. Mouth relatively small, the maxilla extending to front of eye. Eyes large, about 4 times in head length. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Live coloration unknown.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Golden snapper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 40 m . Tropical; 24°N - 4°N, 118°W - 82°W
🌿 Ecology
invertebrates and fish and may also ingest plankton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesoprion inermis | Peters | 1869 | Synonym |
| Rabirubia inermis | Peters | 1869 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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