Facts: The Queen Snapper

The queen snapper is a deep water snapper species found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to the eastern tip of Brazil. Their depth range is typically 330 to 1500 feet. They inhabit rocky bottoms and feed mainly on small fish and squid. Queen snapper have small conical teeth and spiny fins. They have a relatively slender body, a pointed snout, and a crescent-shaped tail. The upper lobe of the tail is slightly longer than the lower lobe. They reach 3 feet long and are pinkish red in color. The upper head and upper body are darker in color. Their eyes are large and yellow. Their estimated age at maturity is 1 year old. Queen snappers are thought to be able to spawn all year long, with a peak at the end of the year and less reproduction at the beginning of the year. They are thought to live at least 30 years. Queen snapper is caught commercially in deep water snapper fisheries. Small individuals are taken as bycatch in trawl fisheries. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!