There are a variety of bright red saltwater fish that inhabit oceans and seas around the world. These striking fish come in an array of shapes and sizes, ranging from small gobies to large groupers. While many saltwater fish have red coloration, true bright red fish that are entirely crimson or scarlet stand out vividly against the blue ocean backdrop. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and well-known red saltwater fish species.
Common Bright Red Saltwater Fish
Here are some of the most popular and recognizable red saltwater fish:
Red Snapper
One of the most iconic red saltwater fish is the red snapper. Scientifically known as Lutjanus campechanus, this fish belongs to the family Lutjanidae and gets its common name from its vivid reddish-pink hue. Red snapper have a slender, elongated body with a pointed snout and sharp canine teeth. They inhabit waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Red snapper can grow up to 35 inches long and are valued as a tasty food fish.
Vermilion Snapper
Closely related to the red snapper is the vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens. Known for its bright crimson color, this snapper has an oval compressed shape with a forked tail. Vermilion snapper occupy reefs and rocky areas in the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, where they feed on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They can reach up to 22 inches long.
Ruby Redfish
The ruby redfish, or golden redfish, Sebastes ruberrimus, earns its name from its gleaming scarlet body marked with yellow splotches. It’s a member of the rockfish family found in the North Pacific, ranging from California to Alaska. Growing up to 24 inches long, the ruby redfish is slow-growing and long-lived, with some individuals reaching ages over 100 years. It’s an important commercial fish valued for its firm white meat.
Longspine Red Snapper
In the Indo-Pacific region lives the brilliant longspine red snapper, Etelis carbunculus. Also called ruby snapper or red bass, this large fish can reach a length of 35 inches and is identifiable by its crimson body color and long dorsal and anal fins. It inhabits rocky bottoms and reefs from Hawaii to East Africa, where it feeds on fish and invertebrates. The longspine red snapper is considered a premium eating fish.
Splendid Alfonsino
Reaching lengths over 3 feet, the splendid alfonsino, Beryx splendens, is one of the largest bright red saltwater fish. It’s a member of the alfonsino family Berycidae that lives in open ocean depths up to 1,500 feet. This species has an elongated body, large eyes, and rows of small luminous organs along its sides. The splendid alfonsino is distributed worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. Its firm white flesh makes it a valued commercial species.
Other Notable Red Saltwater Fish
In addition to the main red fish described above, there are various other red-colored saltwater species, including:
– Rosefish – Small deep sea fish of family Zoarcidae, found worldwide.
– Ruby snapper – In the Etelis genus, related to longspine red snapper.
– Scarlet snapper – Lutjanus erythropterus, found in the Indo-Pacific.
– Norwegian redfish – Sebastes viviparus, smaller rockfish of North Atlantic.
– Salmon grouper – Epinephelus salmonoides, large Indo-Pacific grouper.
– Red lionfish – Pterois volitans, a venomous coral reef fish.
– Yellowstriped cardinalfish – Apogon pseudomaculatus, small Indo-Pacific fish.
– Red bass – Several fish in genera like Lutjanus and Cephalopholis.
– Red velvetfish – Gnathophis mystax, eel-like fish of deep reefs.
– Red barbier – Caesio teres, schooling fish of Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Unique Adaptations of Red Fish
Vivid red coloration offers specific advantages to fish species in the marine environment:
– Camouflage – In deeper dimly lit waters, red appears black, providing concealment.
– Warning coloration – Bright red can signal toxicity or unpalatability to deter predators.
– Schooling – Uniform red color helps fish keep tight coordinated schools.
– Attract mates – Some red fish use their color to attract partners and display dominance.
– Attract prey – Prey may mistake red appendages for worms or other food sources.
– Light sensitivity – Red pigments may help fish see wavelengths in blue water.
– Temperature regulation – Red helps absorb heat from sunlight in cooler deep waters.
– Oxygenation – Red blood efficient at transporting oxygen at depth with high pressure.
Fishing for Red Saltwater Fish
Many anglers enjoy targeting bright red game fish:
– Red snapper – Popular sport fishing fish throughout Gulf of Mexico and southeast US coast. Abundant around reefs and underwater structure.
– Vermilion snapper – Caught near oil rigs, rocky ledges and reefs in Gulf of Mexico. Prefers squid and small baitfish.
– Ruby Redfish – Caught along Pacific coast from piers and rocky areas. Takes bait like shrimp and small lures.
– Red grouper – Large bottom fish of Florida coastline around wrecks and reefs. Uses heavy tackle and bait.
– Red barracuda – Powerful open water predator throughout Florida keys and Caribbean. Strikes artificial lures and live bait aggressively.
Best Practices for Catching Red Fish
– Use strong rods and reels with heavy line – Red fish can be large powerful fighters.
– Keep bait and lures near the bottom – Many red snapper and grouper live near structure.
– Try natural bait like shrimp, squid, sardines – Scent attracts snapper and grouper.
– Drift fish over wrecks and reefs – Locating prime underwater habitat is key.
– Fish early or late when more active – Mid-day sun makes reds less energetic.
Conclusion
Vibrant red coloration makes these fish stand out in the underwater seascape. While many saltwater fish showcase various shades of red, some of the most iconic include snapper, ruby rockfish, red grouper, and the splendid alfonsino. Red color offers camouflage, attracts prey, and aids vision in the deep blue. Anglers around the world eagerly seek out the challenge of landing big, hard-fighting red fish. So if you hook into a large crimson-hued saltwater fish, it may just be one of these spectacular red species.
