Northern Red Snapper

ocean · fish · Atlantic · reef

Brilliant red color. Northern red snappers have striking red and pink scales that help them blend in with coral reefs where they live. Their coloring makes them one of the most beautiful fish in the Atlantic Ocean.

Reef home builders. These fish live around rocky reefs and structures in the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. They like to hide in cracks and crevices where they hunt for smaller fish and crustaceans.

Highly prized catch. Northern red snappers are so delicious that they're one of the most important fish for commercial fisheries. People also love catching them as a sport because they put up a good fight.

Family group fish. Red snappers belong to the Lutjanidae family, which includes many other colorful snapper species found around the world. They're related to some of the tastiest fish that restaurants serve.