Fin's Fish Guide
The Colorado snapper (Lutjanus colorado) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 91 cm.
Eastern Pacific; inshore reef areas, juveniles in estuaries and mangroves.
Description
The Colorado snapper is a large snapper of the family Lutjanidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 91 cm and has a robust, copper-red to reddish body, to which the name refers. Adults inhabit inshore reef areas over hard bottoms and are usually solitary; juveniles also occur in estuaries and mangroves. As a predator it hunts fishes and crustaceans. The Colorado snapper is a valued sport and food fish. Snappers have strong canine teeth, so keep fingers away from the mouth of a caught specimen; otherwise it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Colorado snapper?
The Colorado snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Robust, copper-red body; inshore reef predator, juveniles in estuaries and mangroves.
Where does the Colorado snapper live?
The Colorado snapper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; inshore reef areas, juveniles in estuaries and mangroves.
How big does the Colorado snapper get?
The Colorado snapper grows to a maximum of about 91 cm.
Is the Colorado snapper dangerous to humans?
No, the Colorado snapper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Colorado snapper edible?
Yes, the Colorado snapper is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lutjanus
More from the family Lutjanidae
Want the complete picture on the Colorado snapper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Colorado snapper is one of 12,519 species in the app.