Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico)-Red Snapper

摘要

The red snapper is found offshore on the Continental Shelf throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Red snappers are taken in the snapper-grouper fishery, usually with baited hooks. The red snapper commercial fishery currently ranks seventh in total value among commercial catches of finfish and shellfish in the gulf. Red snapper are also a target of a large sport fishery. The most important prey of red snapper are fish, squid, and crustaceans. The peak abundance of juveniles occurs in shallower water (20-46 m) than does the peak abundance of adults. Adult red snapper do not move from their reef havitations during the cooler months, and during that time will remain in a fishing area until it is fished out.