Identification
Look for large eyes, a relatively short blunt snout and long pectoral fins. The body is pinkish to silvery. A generic pink snapper identification is insufficient because several deepwater species share that appearance.
Size
The published maximum includes the tail and exceeds the common reference length by a substantial margin. It is a biological reference figure, not a guarantee of a typical catch size.
Deepwater Habitat and Food
Records include the Florida Straits, Bahamas and Caribbean waters. The fish uses much deeper shelf and slope habitat than an ordinary shallow reef guide would suggest. Small fish and larger drifting organisms form its reported food.
Large Eyes at the Shelf Edge
The conspicuous eyes are a useful feature to include in an identification photograph. Show the snout and pectoral fins as well, since color alone can be misleading.
All Lakes With Cardinal Snapper
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Cardinal Snapper records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.