The American Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a species native to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, but can also be found in the warm waters of the Bahamas. This commonly sought out game fish lives at depths of 30-200 ft, and although they’re commercially fished and highly recreational, there is a very regulated and short season (in US waters) in which this fish can be caught.
On October 3, 2019 Tropic Seafood, Ltd., received approximately 1150 American Red Snapper fingerlings from the laboratory at the University of Miami’s Rosentiel’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (RSMAS). This is a historic event, being the first time this species has ever been cultured at Tropic. Although these fish are endemic to the Bahamas, they’re rarely seen in the middle to Southern areas and typically are found in Grand Bahama and the Bimini islands. Tropic Seafood is taking part in aquaculture research to explore whether the Red Snapper is a viable candidate for commercial cultivation. These fingerlings were received at 3.2 grams each and survival to date has been excellent, with a diet that currently includes a specialized pelleted food, 4 times a day.
The American Red Snapper are a beautiful fish; they have white flaky delicious meat that can be served as a whole head-on fish or as a filet. They have a slim bloodline and only take about a year to grow to an appropriate size for sale. Snapper are highly marketable and are popular around the world.
