Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Ocyurus chrysurus
Also Known As
Flag, Flag yellowtail, Rabirubia, Colirrubia
Quick Facts
Weight
2 to 5 pounds; up to 11 pounds
Length
8 to 14 inches; up to 34 inches
Lifespan
6 to 14 years; up to 28 years
Threats
Fishing pressure,
Changing conditions due to climate change,
Juvenile habitat loss
Region
Southeast
Yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus). Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Dr. Dwayne Meadows
Yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus). Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Dr. Dwayne Meadows
About the Species
Yellowtail snapper is a popular species in both recreational and commercial fisheries across the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America and the Caribbean. They are one of Florida's most popular sport and food fish, especially in the Florida Keys and southeastern Florida. Prized for their light, flaky meat, yellowtail snapper is widely considered one of the best-tasting members of the snapper family. They primarily inhabit warm, coastal waters—particularly around coral reefs—and are easily recognized by their vibrant yellow tail, matching spots, and a distinct yellow stripe running along their sides.
Population
The South Atlantic/Gulf of America stock is not overfished.
Fishing Rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impact
Fishing gears used to harvest yellowtail snapper have minimal impacts on habitat.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Population Status
There are four stocks of yellowtail snapper: the South Atlantic/Gulf of America stock, and three Caribbean stocks (Puerto Rico Snapper Unit 5, St. Croix Snapper Unit 6, and St. Thomas/St. John Snapper Unit 4).
- The South Atlantic/Gulf of America stock is not overfished and not subject to overfishing (supported by 2025 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART.
- In the Caribbean, yellowtail snapper is managed as the Puerto Rico Snapper Unit 5. The stock is not subject to overfishing (supported by 2024 catch data) and the overfished status is unknown.
- In the Caribbean, yellowtail snapper is managed as the St. Croix Snapper Unit 6. The stock is not subject to overfishing (supported by 2024 catch data) and the overfished status is unknown.
- In the Caribbean, yellowtail snapper is managed as the St. Thomas/St. John Snapper Unit 4. The stock is not subject to overfishing (supported by 2024 catch data) and the overfished status is unknown.
Appearance
Yellowtail snapper have a prominent midlateral yellow stripe that starts at the mouth, passes through the eye, and gets wider as it reaches a bright yellow tail. The back and upper sides are olive-gray to bluish, speckled with small yellow spots. The lower sides and belly are silvery-white with pale red or yellow longitudinal stripes.
Biology
Adult yellowtail snapper exhibit schooling behavior. They feed primarily at night and opportunistically throughout the day. Spawning occurs year round with different peak times depending on location and when the water is warmest. Their diet consists of other fish, mostly benthic species, and invertebrates (e.g., gastropods, cephalopods, shrimp, worms). Yellowtail snapper are prey for larger fish, such as barracuda, sharks, groupers, and even other snapper species.
Where They Live
Range
Yellowtail snapper inhabit the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to southeastern Brazil, including the Gulf of America. They are predominantly found in the waters of the southeastern U.S., primarily off the coast of southeastern Florida, The Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean.
Habitat
These snapper are found mainly in tropical, coastal waters. Juvenile yellowtail snapper often inhabit mangroves, seagrass beds, and back reefs. Adults typically inhabit sandy areas near offshore reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters.
Fishery Management
NOAA Fisheries, the South Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean fishery management councils manage yellowtail snapper in federal waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages yellowtail snapper in Florida state waters. Other states in the Southeast defer to the federal management regulations in the Gulf and South Atlantic for this species while the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands manage yellowtail snapper in their territorial waters.
In the South Atlantic, yellowtail snapper are managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery. The plan includes both recreational and commercial fishing regulations for yellowtail snapper.
In the Gulf of America, yellowtail snapper are managed under the Gulf Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan. The plan includes both recreational and commercial fishing regulations for yellowtail snapper.
In the U.S. Caribbean, yellowtail snapper are managed under the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan, the St. Croix Fishery Management Plan, and the St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plan. These plans include both recreational and commercial fishing regulations for yellowtail snapper.
Harvest
Commercial
In 2024, commercial landings of yellowtail snapper in the South Atlantic and Gulf of America totaled 1.4 million pounds and were valued at $6.3 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database.
Recreational
Yellowtail snapper is a popular fish among recreational fishermen in the South Atlantic and Gulf of America. In 2024, recreational anglers landed 1.6 million pounds of yellowtail snapper, according to the NOAA Fisheries recreational fishing landings database.
Scientific Classification
Yellowtail snapper inhabit the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to southeastern Brazil, including the Gulf of America. They are predominantly found in the waters of the southeastern U.S., primarily off the coast of southeastern Florida, The Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean.
These snapper are found mainly in tropical, coastal waters. Juvenile yellowtail snapper often inhabit mangroves, seagrass beds, and back reefs. Adults typically inhabit sandy areas near offshore reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters.
Fishery Management
NOAA Fisheries, the South Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean fishery management councils manage yellowtail snapper in federal waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages yellowtail snapper in Florida state waters. Other states in the Southeast defer to the federal management regulations in the Gulf and South Atlantic for this species while the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands manage yellowtail snapper in their territorial waters.
In the South Atlantic, yellowtail snapper are managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery. The plan includes both recreational and commercial fishing regulations for yellowtail snapper.
In the Gulf of America, yellowtail snapper are managed under the Gulf Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan. The plan includes both recreational and commercial fishing regulations for yellowtail snapper.
In the U.S. Caribbean, yellowtail snapper are managed under the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan, the St. Croix Fishery Management Plan, and the St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plan. These plans include both recreational and commercial fishing regulations for yellowtail snapper.
Harvest
Commercial
In 2024, commercial landings of yellowtail snapper in the South Atlantic and Gulf of America totaled 1.4 million pounds and were valued at $6.3 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database.
Recreational
Yellowtail snapper is a popular fish among recreational fishermen in the South Atlantic and Gulf of America. In 2024, recreational anglers landed 1.6 million pounds of yellowtail snapper, according to the NOAA Fisheries recreational fishing landings database.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Actinopterygii | Order | Acanthuriformes | Family | Lutjanidae | Genus | Ocyurus | Species | chrysurus |
|---|
Featured News
(Overlay) Left: Christening of new shrimp boats acquired by the Dorado Fishing Cooperative in Puerto Rico, 1965. Credit: NOAA Central Library Historical Fisheries Collection; Right: Description Wood-and-wire lobster pots, seen here on a dock at Puerto Rico's Fajardo Beach, are still common in the Caribbean. Credit: Julio A. Serrano; (Background): A view of a tropical coastline in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit: Meaghan Emory
(Overlay) L: Goliath grouper circa 1945. Credit: Wally Ericson. R: Shrimp fishing in Galveston, Texas. Date unknown. Credit: NOAA Library/NOAA Fisheries Archives/Bob Brigham; (Background): Boats in harbor. Credit: Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant
Anglers identify signs of barotrauma on a red snapper. Credit: Return ‘Em Right.
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Return ‘Em Right: Meet the People Helping Anglers Save Fish One Release at a Time
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A red snapper with a SeaQualizer descending device on its mouth. Credit: Return 'Em Right.
Seafood Facts
Is Yellowtail Snapper Sustainable?
U.S. wild-caught yellowtail snapper is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Availability
U.S. wild-caught yellowtail snapper is available fresh year-round.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from Florida, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Taste
Mild and sweet.
Texture
Medium-firm texture with medium flakes.
Color
White.
Health Benefits
Yellowtail snapper is low in saturated fat and sodium and is a very good source of protein.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1; Serving Weight: 100 g (raw); Calories: 100; Protein: 20.5 g; Total Fat: 1.3 g; Total Saturated Fatty Acids: 0.3 g; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Total Sugars: 0 g; Total Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Cholesterol: 37 mg; Selenium: 38.2 mcg; Sodium: 64 mgSnapper Recipes
Looking for ways to add white fish like snapper into your rotation? If you need cooking inspiration, browse these recipes for sautéed snapper, seafood stew, and more!
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Fish and shellfish dishes. Credit: iStock
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(Overlay) Left: Christening of new shrimp boats acquired by the Dorado Fishing Cooperative in Puerto Rico, 1965. Credit: NOAA Central Library Historical Fisheries Collection; Right: Description Wood-and-wire lobster pots, seen here on a dock at Puerto Rico's Fajardo Beach, are still common in the Caribbean. Credit: Julio A. Serrano; (Background): A view of a tropical coastline in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit: Meaghan Emory
Science Overview
NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and population health of yellowtail snapper. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions for this species.
For detailed information about stock status, management, assessments, and resource trends, you can search for yellowtail snapper, and any other species of interest, using NOAA’s StockSMART web tool.
