Blackfin snapper
| Blackfin snapper | |
|---|---|
| Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Lutjanidae |
| Genus: | Lutjanus |
| Species: | L. buccanella |
| Binomial name | |
| Lutjanus buccanella (G. Cuvier, 1828) | |
| Synonyms | |
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The blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella, is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is a commercially important species, though it has been reported to carry the ciguatera toxin.[1]
Description
Its color is typically a scarlet red with silvery undersides. It has a black crescent-shaped mark at the base of its pectoral fins. The fins are yellow to orange. This species can reach a length of 75 cm (30 in), though most do not exceed 50 cm (20 in). The greatest known weight for this species is 14 kg (31 lb).[1]
Distribution
The blackfin snapper is found from North Carolina and Bermuda south to northern Brazil. It occurs most commonly in the Caribbean, being especially common around the Antilles.[1]
Habitat and habits
This species inhabits areas near reefs at depths of from 20 to 200 m (66 to 656 ft) (usually between 80 and 150 m (260 and 490 ft)). Juveniles tend to be found in shallower waters than adults, which tend to inhabit deeper water near drop-offs with sandy or rocky bottoms. Like other snapper, it is predatory and feeds primarily on smaller fish.[1]