| Family: |
Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae |
| Max. size: |
75 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 14 kg |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 200 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: as far north as North Carolina, USA and Bermuda south to Trinidad and northern Brazil; including the Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 9626). Very common in the Caribbean, particularly the Antilles. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Mainly scarlet red, silvery on lower sides and belly; fins are yellowish to orange. A prominent black blotch is at the base and in axil of pectoral fins. |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit deeper waters over sandy or rocky bottoms and near drop-offs and ledges. Young occur in shallower water, often between about 35 and 50 m. Feed mainly on fishes. Good food fish, it is marketed mostly fresh (Ref. 55). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 October 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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