Long Tail Snapper

Long Tail Snapper

Etelis coruscans
Long Tail Snapper

Average Weight/Length

Most of the onaga caught off the Hawaiian Islands range in size from 1 to 18 pounds. It grows up to 30 pounds and 3 feet.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Onaga, Hawaiian Red Snapper, Long-tail Snapper, Ula-ula, Ruby Snapper, Scarlet Snapper, Vivaneau (French), Schnapper (German), Lutiano (Italian), Huachinan

Location Habitat

It is one of Hawai’I’s “deep seven” bottomfish species, and ranges from the Indian to Pacific Ocean. Onaga inhabits rocky bottoms of continental shelves and slopes between 600 and 1,000 feet deep.

Biology & Physical Description

Onaga (Ula'ula koala) is one of Hawaii’s fish better known by its Japanese name than by its Hawaiian name, ula`ula koae. It is also called ruby snapper or scarlet snapper, due to it’s brilliant red color. Onaga have a unique profile with distinctive caudal fins that end in long, slender point's. Onaga has clear, light pink flesh similar to that of the opakapaka but somewhat softer and moister. Fish caught during the winter months seem to have a higher fat content than those caught in the summer; hence onaga yield the best sashimi during the winter season. Onaga have a vivid scarlet color and a long slender tail whose tips may be red or black. The fish’s iris is usually a brilliant red as well. This long-lived species is often served raw as sashimi. In Japanese culture, having Onaga during weddings and New Year’s represents good luck, due to its red color.

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..

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is....

Commercial Fishing Techniques

Vertical Hooking

Vertical Hooking is when....

Game Rating

Game Rating : 7/10

Game Description :

Strong Bottom fish, but usually dragged up by electric powered reels as these fish most commonly live at depths of 600 - 900 feet.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 10/10

Game Description :

Onaga has beautiful pinkish flesh with a creamy texture and mild sweetness, similar to that of the opakapaka but somewhat softer and moister. Onaga has a delicate flavor which is best enjoyed when served raw, (sashimi style) or when baked, steamed, or prepared in a host of other ways. When cooked, Onaga is white with a delicate, sweet flavor and large, moist flakes. One of the absolute best on the planet and definitely wins the most most beautiful snapper award. Considered 0 in Fish Flavor and 0 on texture. This fish very delicate. Onaga have a vivid scarlet color and a long slender tail whose tips may be red or black. The fish’s iris is usually a brilliant red as well. This long-lived species is often served raw as sashimi. In Japanese culture, having Onaga during weddings and New Year’s represents good luck, due to its red color. In Hawaii, small onaga (less than 5 pounds) are often prepared by steaming the fish with the head on. The heads are also popular for making soup. Fish caught during the winter months seem to have a higher fat content than those caught in the summer.

Picture (Fish)

Picture Mount