AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Lutjanus campechanus
Red Snapper
(Poey, 1860)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly prized game and food fish with a characteristic pinkish-red body, large canine teeth, and a slightly pointed snout.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Pargo rojoRed snapperVivaneau rougeRoter Schnapper
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Perciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Lutjanidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Lutjanus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Poey, 1860)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast, favoring deep reef environments, artificial structures, and offshore platforms.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly mobile predator, often found in large schools near artificial structures or rocky bottoms.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Forms large aggregations, especially during migration and spawning periods.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active carnivore / Pelagic and benthic predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Generalist feeder consuming smaller fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and benthic invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Spawns in open water; eggs are pelagic and drift with currents until hatching.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 100.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
100 g - 22.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1000000 - 9000000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 50 Years
Females15 - 50 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Excellent nocturnal vision allows them to hunt effectively in the low-light conditions of deeper reef waters.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Overfishing and bycatch in shrimp trawling operations are the primary conservation concerns.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
These fish are extremely long-lived, with some individuals documented reaching over 50 years of age.