Vermilion Snapper
Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPER
Rhomboplites aurorubens
Illustration © Diane Rome Peebles
Illustration provided for viewing purposes only
Description: color of entire body reddish, with a series of short, irregular lines on its sides, diagonal blue lines formed by spots on the scales above the lateral line; sometimes with yellow streaks below the lateral line; large canine teeth absent; orientation of mouth and eye give it the appearance of looking upward; no dark lateral spot
Where found: suspends at mid-depths over rocky reefs offshore
Remarks: spawns April to September, females maturing at 3 to 4 years of age; grows slowly; attains a weight of 6 pounds and length of 24 inches; feeds on small, swimming crustaceans and mollusks
Possession and Size Limits: Included in the 20 reef fish aggregate, 10” TL.
Federal Recreational Season: None
