Fin's Fish Guide
The Silk snapper (Lutjanus vivanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 83 cm.
Description
The silk snapper is a snapper from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 83 cm and has a rosy-red body with yellow tints and yellow eyes. As a reef predator it lives over deeper reef and rocky bottoms, between about 90 and 240 metres, and hunts fish, crustaceans and squid. It is a valued food fish, but in large specimens there is a ciguatera risk. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silk snapper?
The Silk snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Pinkish-red body with yellow eyes; deeper-reef predatory snapper with ciguatera risk
Where does the Silk snapper live?
The Silk snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic
How big does the Silk snapper get?
The Silk snapper grows to a maximum of about 83 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Silk snapper dangerous to humans?
The Silk snapper is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Eat large specimens with caution: there is a risk of ciguatera poisoning (nausea, tingling, hot/cold reversal). Seek medical help if symptoms follow consumption.
Is the Silk snapper edible?
The Silk snapper is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Silk snapper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silk snapper is one of 12,519 species in the app.