Snapper - Blackfin

Averages 3 or 4 pounds; usual maximum is 10 or so. World record 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

Blackspot, Snapper, Bahamas Red, Snapper

Nearly all are caught along outside dropoffs at depths of 200 feet or greater. Most are caught in the Bahamas. Adults inhabit deeper waters over sandy or rocky bottoms and near drop-offs and ledges. Young occur in shallower water, often between about 35 and 50 m. Feed mainly on fishes. Good food fish, it is marketed mostly fresh

Vivid red overall, with black crescent-shaped mark at base of the pectoral fin. Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Mainly scarlet red, silvery on lower sides and belly; fins are yellowish to orange. A prominent black blotch is at the base and in axil of pectoral fins.

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: as far north as North Carolina, USA and Bermuda south to Trinidad and northern Brazil; including the Gulf of Mexico. Very common in the Caribbean, particularly the Antilles.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

	River Drift River Drift means to use the....

Blackfin Snapper generally stay well beyond the depths of anchoring. Most are caught while drifting and jigging off cliffs and ledges. Blackfin eagerly strike a heavy bucktail or nylon jig.