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Red Snapper

Red Snapper

Pagrus Auratus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Pagrus Auratus

Other names Australasian Snapper, Cockney Bream, Eastern Snapper, Nobblers, Old Man Red Snapper, Snapper, Pink Snapper, Pinkie, Queen, Red Bream, Reddie, Ruggers, Schnapper, Silver Seabream, Squire, Tamure, Western Snapper, White Snapper

Size Up to 130 cm (51 in)

Weight Up to 20 kg (44 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, bays, inlets & estuaries, inshore/offshore coral & rocky reefs

Depth Range

Interesting Info

Red Snapper are a reef migrating schooling fish, living along the coast amongst reefs up to 200 m (660 ft) deep.
They have a wide distribution being found in Japan, across South Pacific Islands, New Zealand and throughout Australia.
Red Snapper are aggressive carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crabs, mussels, worms & prawns.
Estimated lifespan is similar to most snapper with an average between 3 to 8 years, with the oldest snapper going up to 40 years.
Very large snapper may develop large contorted humps on their foreheads and have garnered the name “Old Man Snappers”.
The main predators of Red Snapper include sharks, larger predatory fish.

Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Red Snapper are a popular sports fish for all levels of fishing, known as a highly prized eating fish. They can be caught from shore or boat and are abundant throughout Australia. Snapper have a strong economic significance and are commercially fished and farmed. They are targeted with bottom trawlers and various hook and line techniques.