Fish Identification Photos: Red Snapper or Pacific Red Snapper, Lutjanus peru: The Red Snapper is member of the Lutjanidea or Snapper Family, which are known in English as snappers, and in Mexico as "pargos."

A highly-prized game fish, the Red Snapper is distinguished by an overall bright red or sometimes a dark pink color, predominant on the head, back, and all fins, which gradually turns into white with a silvery sheen on the lower part of the body.

It has a relatively "smooth" and streamlined appearance, as compared to most other snappers.

In Mexico, the Red Snapper is found on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, south from Magdalena Bay, and then at least as far north as Puertecitos and Roca Consag at the north end of the Sea of Cortez. On mainland Mexico, it is found from Guaymas south to Guatemala.

Although the Red Snapper grows to about three feet in length, it is more common between 18 and 24 inches long, and it is found in the first 250 feet of the water column, over rocky bottoms, close to caves and crevices. The Red Snapper feeds on crabs, mollusks, octopuses, shrimp, and small fish.

A true visual phenomena is the sight of zillions of Red Snappers feeding at the surface on the Pelagic Red Tuna Crab (Pleuroncodes planipes) far out at sea.

The Red Snapper is highly prized as table fare and is a commercially essential export of Mexico caught throughout Mexican waters by pangueros with their handlines.

Red Snapper, Lutjanus peru: Photo courtesy Stan Moberly.. Red Snapper, Lutjanus peru: Caught with Capt. Pata in the panga Salome, at La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 73-degree water, midmorning in April 2003, in 200-foot deep water, utilizing a 30-pound test line with a 40-pound, two-dropper loop rig with swivel, 8-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0, on live Pelagic Red Tuna Crab bait, 25 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 16 inches and 4 pounds and a non-fighter once it comes off the bottom. Viewed as excellent table fare by locals. The Red Snapper is fished extensively by commercial fisherman using handlines and large weights. It is packed in ice and flown to the United States. Description and photo courtesy John Snow. Red Snapper, Lutjanus peru: Photo courtesy Dean Mitchell Red Snapper, Lutjanus peru: With guide Capt. Pedro aboard the Midriff panga mothership, Celia Angelina, near BBahia de los Angeles (L.A. Bay), Baja California, Mexico, May 2002. Photo courtesy Dean Mitchell