Fin's Fish Guide
The Blear-eyed snapper (Etelis oculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The queen snapper is a large deep-water snapper (Lutjanidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 100 cm and has a slender, red body with very large eyes, adapted to the dim deep water, and a deeply forked tail with long points. Adults inhabit rocky bottoms at depths of about 100 to 450 m and are abundant near oceanic islands. They prey mainly on small fishes and squid. The species is a valued food fish with good-quality flesh and is marketed mostly fresh, sometimes frozen; the IUCN assesses it as data deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blear-eyed snapper?
The Blear-eyed snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Very large eyes for the deep twilight water; deeply forked tail with long tips.
Where does the Blear-eyed snapper live?
The Blear-eyed snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, on deep rocky bottoms.
How big does the Blear-eyed snapper get?
The Blear-eyed snapper grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 64 cm.
Is the Blear-eyed snapper dangerous to humans?
No, the Blear-eyed snapper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blear-eyed snapper edible?
Yes, the Blear-eyed snapper is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Etelis
More from the family Lutjanidae
Want the complete picture on the Blear-eyed snapper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blear-eyed snapper is one of 12,519 species in the app.