COMMERCIAL SNAPPERS (LUTIANIDAE) OF THE GULF OF MEXICO 1 
By Isaac Ginsburg, Assistant Aquatic Biologist 
.* 
CONTENTS 
Page 
Introduction 265 
Lutianus vivanus 265 
Economic importance 267 
Relationship 268 
Nomenclature and synonymy 269 
Geographical distribution and hab- 
itat 270 
Lutianus blackfordii 270 
Commercial importance 270 
Biology 271 
Nomenclature and synonymy 271 
Page 
Lutianus campechanus 273 
Nomenclature and synonymy 273 
Lutianus buccanella 274 
Economic importance 275 
Geographical distribution and hab- 
itat 275 
Relationship 276 
Nomenclature and synonymy 276 
INTRODUCTION 
There has recently come to the attention of the American fishery industry some 
species of snappers which have a prevailing red color, are taken in deep water, and 
have a close resemblance to the common and valuable red snapper, Lutianus black- 
fordii. These snappers, however, are not of the same excellence as the common red 
snapper, although it should be possible to find a market for them when sold under 
their own distinctive name. It is desirable, therefore, to point out the specific 
characters by which they nray be distinguished. Current descriptions are based 
chiefly on young individuals, whereas there is a considerable difference in appearance 
between the young and the large market fish. Therefore the large fish are described 
and figured below, and it is shown how they may be distinguished from the more 
valuable common red snapper. Some problems connected with the further study 
of the snappers are indicated. 
LUTIANUS VIVANUS 
Synonyms of common names. — Silk snapper (St. Thomas, West Indies). Yellowtail (Pensacola, 
Fla.). Pargo de lo alto (Cuba). Vivanet, Vivanenux (Martinique). Chierkie boca blanca 
(Curacao). 
Formulx. — D. X 14. A. Ill 8. Scales 72 to 73. Gill rakers 11 and 6 rudiments. 
Description. — Upper profile rather gibbous in front, markedly ascending to the nape, where 
it makes a rather narrow curve horizontally, thence descending in a broad gentle curve to the 
caudal peduncle; lower profile of head gently descending, a broad very shallow curve from throat 
to anal fin. 
Depth at origin of ventrals 2.95; head (measured to soft posterior apex of opercle) 2.82 in length 
without caudal. Snout (measured to soft anterior margin of eye) medium, 2.60; maxillary some- 
what shorter than snout, 2.69 in head. Eye (measured horizontally by placing points of caliper 
between soft margins) rather large, 5.27 in head, 2.02 in snout, and 1.96 in maxillary; least depth 
of caudal peduncle 3.45 in head. 
i Submitted for publication Apr. 23, 1930. 
2771—30 
265 
