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Deep snapper (Etelis carbunculus) — Lutjanidae

Deep snapper

Etelis carbunculus
Family: Lutjanidae
LC · Least Concern

The Deep snapper (Etelis carbunculus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 127 cm.

Length
127 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
90.0–400.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Highly prized

Description

The ruby snapper is a large deepwater snapper of the family Lutjanidae widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific. The species has a streamlined, bright red body with large eyes and a deeply forked tail, and can reach about 127 cm. Adults live near rocky bottoms on the continental slope, often several hundred metres deep. They hunt fishes and larger invertebrates such as squid, shrimps and crabs, and also take planktonic organisms. The ruby snapper is a highly prized food fish marketed fresh or frozen and caught with deep handlines.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep snapper?

The Deep snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Deep snapper live?

The Deep snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Deep snapper get?

The Deep snapper grows to a maximum of about 127 cm. On average the species is around 65 cm.

Is the Deep snapper dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep snapper is harmless to humans.

Is the Deep snapper edible?

Yes, the Deep snapper is a highly prized food fish.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Robijnsnapper sourced
English name
Deep snapper verified
Scientific name
Etelis carbunculus
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Deepwater red snapper; Deep-water red snapper; Deepwater snappers; Jobfish; Long-tailed snapper verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
127.0 verified
Average length (cm)
65.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
90.0 verified
Max depth (m)
400.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
32.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Dieptevissen met natuuraas aan een verzwaard hengelsysteem boven rotsige bodems. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Etelis

More from the family Lutjanidae

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