Vermilion Snapper
Rhomboplites aurorubens
AKA:
Mingo Snapper, Beeline Snapper
Managed by: SAFMC
Physical description:
Vermilion snapper have streamlined bodies, are pale to silver white below and vermilion above. Narrow yellow-gold streaks, some horozontal and others oblique, occur below the lateral line. The dorsal fin is rosy colored with a yellow margin. The caudal fin is red , but has a faint black margin.
Biological description:
The vermilion snapper is found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic from Cape Hatteras to southeastern Brazil, including Bermuda, the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico. The preferred habitat is irregular reeflike bottom in waters ranging in depth from 80-350 feet. In some areas, the species is replaced by its close relative, the yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, which occupies the same type of habitat. All vermilion snapper are mature at 2 years of age and 7.9" total length. Multiple spawning is characteristic of the species, taking place from April to September. Vermilion snapper can reach lengths up to 24 inches, feeding on small animals found high in the water column.
South Atlantic Federal Regulations
(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)
New regulations for vermilion snapper, gag, black grouper and other species effective July 29, 2009. See Fishery Bulletin for summary. For clarification of the South Atlantic vermilion snapper regulations, read Fishery Bulletin (posted 10/7/09).
Commercial:
- 12" Total Length (TL) size limit.
- Gear restrictions apply.
- Commercial quota of 315,523 lbs gutted weight January - June and commercial quota of 302,523 lbs gutted weight July - December was established effective July 29, 2009. See the NOAA Fisheries Fishery Bulletin and the Final Rule in the Federal Register for details.
- Trip limit is 1,500 lbs, gutted weight (effective July 15, 2011)
- NEW! Commercial fishery for vermilion snapper closed effective September 30, 2011. See Fishery Bulletin for details.
Recreational: