Sunday, May 29, 2011

Snapper Species

The saltwater snapper is a toothy character with a lot vigor. In fact, there are several different species of snapper that are prevalent in warm saltwater environments. The most popular snapper species is probably the American Red Snapper, sometimes referred to as ARS for short. Over the years, red snapper was a huge commercial fish caught mainly in the Gulf of Mexico and then sold in fish markets and restaurants around the world. The firm texture and sweet taste of the meat made them a favorite menu item and delicious table fare.

Overfishing drastically reduced the red snapper and complimentary species stock levels down to a overfished level. Since the 1980's a rebuilding campaign has been in play, and today red snapper stocks have grown significantly and are again abundant in many areas. Snappers will feed all day long, but are predominately night feeders. They prefer warmer waters, which is why the Gulf of  Mexico and Caribbean waters are their primary areas to grow and thrive. You will also find stock levels of a few species up the East Coast of Florida and up past Georgia, but as the waters cool, the numbers of this fish living in that area are reduced.

There are various family members and identification marks in this fish family. The following list features a wide variety snappers.

List of  Snapper Species:    

  • Red Snapper
  • Gray Snapper ( also known as Black, or Mangrove Snapper)
  • Cubera Snapper
  • Vermillion Snapper
  • Lane Snapper
  • Blackfin Snapper
  • Mutton Snapper
  • Mahogany Snapper
  • Queen Snapper
  • Silk 
  • Schoolmaster
  • Yellowtail Snapper

Snappers of many different types can be a delicious addition to any menu or table. The fish is easy to clean and prepare for most all recipe applications. The key to preparing and cooking most recipes is in getting fresh fillets to cook. The fillet meat for many of these are firm and sweet. Simple delicious is a good way to describe how they taste. You can cook snapper using many different techniques such as grilling, fried and baked.

Video: Species Identification - Snapper    



Resources:
• Fish Watch - Red Snapper: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/red_snapper.htm  
• Gray Snapper: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/descript/graysnapper/graysnapper.html

Recipes:
Grilled red snapper fillets - blackened  

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