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Rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) — Lutjanidae

Rose snapper

Lutjanus guttatus
Family: Lutjanidae
LC · Least Concern

The Rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 105 cm.

Length
105 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Coastal reef areas of the eastern Pacific.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) is a snapper of the family Lutjanidae from the eastern Pacific. The species has a streamlined, pinkish to silvery body with fine stripes and usually a dark blotch below the dorsal fin, and can reach about one metre. Adults live over hard bottoms in inshore reef areas, mostly solitary or in small groups, occasionally in big schools; juveniles stay in estuaries and river mouths. As a carnivore it hunts invertebrates and fishes. The species is a valued sport and food fish that is fished commercially and farmed in aquaculture.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rose snapper?

The Rose snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a spots pattern. Pink body with a dark blotch below the dorsal fin; sought-after sport and farmed fish.

Where does the Rose snapper live?

The Rose snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Coastal reef areas of the eastern Pacific.

How big does the Rose snapper get?

The Rose snapper grows to a maximum of about 105 cm.

Is the Rose snapper dangerous to humans?

No, the Rose snapper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Rose snapper edible?

Yes, the Rose snapper is commonly eaten.

More photos

Rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) — Lutjanidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Henry Sandi Amador, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) — Lutjanidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) donnymidas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) — Lutjanidae — 4
zihuadean (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) — Lutjanidae — 5
zihuadean (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Rose snapper verified
Scientific name
Lutjanus guttatus
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Spotted rose snapper verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
105.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Natural range
Coastal reef areas of the eastern Pacific. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates and fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Pink body with a dark blotch below the dorsal fin; sought-after sport and farmed fish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait or small lures around reefs and hard bottoms in coastal waters. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lutjanus

More from the family Lutjanidae

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