Yellowtail snapper
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit coastal waters, mostly around coral reefs. Usually seen well above the bottom, frequently in aggregations. They feed on a combination of plankton and benthic animals including fishes, crustaceans, worms, gastropods and cephalopods, mainly at night . Young individuals are usually found over weed beds. They feed primarily on plankton . Spawning occurs throughout the year, with peaks at different times in different areas . Marketed fresh and frozen . Has been reared in captivity .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Head relatively small, lower jaw projecting slightly beyond the upper. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Back and upper sides blue to violet with scattered yellow spots. A prominent mid-lateral yellow band running from the snout to the caudal fin base. The lower sides and belly whitish with narrow reddish and yellow stripes; the dorsal and caudal fins yellow; the anal and pelvic fins whitish.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellowtail snapper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Yellowtail snapper is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 180 m , usually 10 - 70 m . Subtropical; 42°N - 26°S, 98°W - 31°W south Florida and throughout the Caribbean.
🌿 Ecology
a combination of plankton and benthic animals including fishes, crustaceans, worms, gastropods and c
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellowtail snapper is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 207 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellowtail snapper has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthias rabirrubia | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Lutjanus chrysurus | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
| Lutjanus melanurus | Jordan & Gilbert | 1883 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion aurovittatus | Agassiz | 1831 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion chrysurus | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
| Ocyurus aurovittatus | Agassiz | 1831 | Synonym |
| Ocyurus chysurus | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
| Ocyurus rijgersmaei | Cope | 1871 | Synonym |
| Sparus chrysurus | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
| Sparus semiluna | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 100 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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