Congratulations to Scotty Gramling – He is the newest winner of the Old Salt Photo of the Week – American Red Snapper.

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ARS facts:

Appearance:

• feature a sloped profile, medium-to-large scales, a spiny dorsal fin, and a laterally compressed body
• short, sharp, needle-like teeth
• reaches maturity at a length of about 39 cm
• common adult length is 60 cm (24 in), but may reach 100 cm
• coloration is light red, with more intense pigment on the back.
• 10 dorsal spines, 14 soft dorsal rays, three anal spines and eight to 9 anal soft rays

Habitat:

commonly inhabits waters from 30–200 ft (9.1–61.0 m), but can be caught as deep as 300 ft (91 m) on occasion. They stay relatively close to the bottom, and inhabit rocky bottoms, ledges, ridges, and artificial reefs, including offshore oil rigs and shipwrecks.

Behavior:

When American red snapper bite on a line, they tend to be nibblers and pickers, and a soft touch is needed when trying to catch them.  An American red snapper attains sexual maturity at two to five years old, and an adult snapper can live for more than 50 years.  Like most other snappers, American red snapper are gregarious and form large schools around wrecks and reefs. These schools are usually made up of fish of very similar size.

State Record:

46 lb 8 oz, caught near Destin

Something Extra:

Red Snapper Recipe – Pan Seared Red Snapper w/Pineapple Habanero Cream Sauce