Caribbean red snapper

Lutjanus purpureus, the southern red snapper or Caribbean red snapper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It is native to the western Atlantic Ocean as well the Caribbean Sea.

Distribution

Lutjanus purpureus Is found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It occurs throughout much of the Caribbean Sea from Cuba in the north southwards to northeastern Brazil. It is most numerous over the continental shelf from Honduras to the Guianas. It is less abundant off the islands of the Greater and Lesser Antilles where it is restricted to deeper water. This species is found in areas of rocky substrates at depths between 30 and 160 m (98 and 525 ft), commonest at depths from 70 and 120 m (230 and 390 ft). Juveniles prefer sand or mud substrates.