Short Tail Snapper

Short Tail Snapper

Etelis carbunculus
Short Tail Snapper

Average Weight/Length

16 - 15 lbs. Common from a pound or so to about 6 or 8 pounds. Usual maximum is about 20 pounds, although the Short Tail Snapper can rarely run as high as 30 pounds.

Family, Genus, Class & Etymology

Family    Lutjanidae
Description    Snappers
Environment    Fresh, Brackish & Marine
Etymology    Malay, ikan lutjan, name of a fish
Genus    17
No. of Species    110
Order    Perciformes
Class    Actinopterygii
Reproductive Guild    Nonguarders
Distribution    Marine; rarely estuarine. Some species do enter freshwater for feeding. Tropical and subtropical: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Dorsal fin continuous or slightly notched. Spines in dorsal fin 10-12; soft rays 10-17. Three spines in anal fin; soft rays 7-11. Pelvic fins originating just behind pectoral base. Mouth moderate to large; terminal. Jaws bearing enlarged canine teeth. Palatine teeth small. Vomer usually with small teeth. Maxilla covered by preorbital with the mouth closed. Branchiostegal rays 7. Vertebrae 24 (10 + 14). To about 1 m maximum length. Most species are predators of crustaceans and fishes, several are planktivores. Most do well in aquaria, but grow too fast. Valued as food fish but sometimes a cause of ciguatera. Generally demersal, down to depths of about 450 m.

Location Habitat

Short Tail Snapper are generally found at depths between 30 and 620 feet. Adults live on the bottom, usually near hard structures on the continental shelf that have moderate to high relief (for example, coral reefs, artificial reefs, rocks, ledges, and caves), sloping soft-bottom areas, and limestone deposits. Adults are found over rocky bottoms. Juveniles inhabit shallow waters, common over sand or muddy bottoms. Feed mainly on fishes, shrimps, crabs, worms, cephalopods, and some planktonic items including urochordates and gastropods. Marketed fresh and eaten steamed, broiled and baked.

Sport Fishing Techniques

Jigging (Bottom)

Jig fishing is popular and challenging. Why? Because the person fishing is creating the action that attracts, or doesn’t attract, the particular type of fish he or she is trying to catch. Here’s how it works. Cast out and let your jig hook sink to the bottom. Then use your rod tip to raise the bait about a foot off the bottom. Then let it drop back to the bottom. You can jig up and down, side to side or up and down and sideways. Jig rigs come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used with or without live bait..

Commercial Fishing Techniques

Vertical Hooking

Vertical Hooking is when....

Game Rating

Game Rating : 7/10

Game Description :

A hard-fighting fish that uses strong, head-shaking tactics rather than long runs.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Excellent at all sizes. Also known as the Short Tail Red Snapper, these fish are usually caught feeding near Onaga grounds in 700 to 1000 feet of water. They are sought after for their delicate white fillets that are delicious steamed, baked, broiled or saute'd.

Product Specs

Available Sizes: 12 - 38 in. Details: Fired-Enamel Glass Eye Product Options: Wood Plaque, Custom Base, 360°