Golden Snapper
Pargo Rabirubia
(Lutjanus inermis)

Golden Snapper, Lutjanus inermis: The Golden Snapper is distinguished by an overall red tinge with narrow brown stripes on its sides that run obliquely above the lateral lines.

The body of the Golden Snapper is elongated with dark fins and a very forked tail. There is a white blotch below the posterior end of the dorsal fin.

This fish species reaches a maximum of 14 inches in length and is found in the first 120 feet of the water column over rocky bottoms, close to caves and crevices. It feeds on crabs, mollusks, octopus, shrimp, and small fish.

It can be confused with the Yellow Snapper, Lutjanus argentiventris (large scales with no oblique lines and very yellow fins).

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

In Mexican fishing waters , the Golden Snapper is reported to live only along the coast of the mainland between Acapulco and Guatemala.

Thus, the collections pictured below are “out of range,” extending the known range of the species.

The Golden Snapper is a member of the Lutjanidae or Snapper Family, which are known as "pargos” in Mexico.

Golden Snapper fish picture 1

Golden Snapper, Lutjanus inermis: Donated to Mexfish.com during fishing by the commercial Mexican panguero fishermen of La Playita, California Sur, Mexico, October 2008. Size 12 inches. Photo courtesy of John Snow.

Golden Snapper fish picture 2

Golden Snapper, Lutjanus inermis: Caught fishing with Capt. Pata in the panga Salomé, at La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 75-degree water, early morning, in April 2006, in water 60 feet deep, utilizing a size 2 Sabiki rig, 15 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 6 inches. Fish identification courtesy of Dr. Ross Robertson, Smithsonian Institute, Panama. Description courtesy of John Snow.

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