Scientific name
Lutjanus purpureus
Also known as
Southern red snapper, Caribbean red snapper, pargo
Main origins
Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana
Main season
May to mid December
Overview
About Red Snapper
Southern red snapper lives on rocky and reef bottoms of the continental shelf from the Caribbean to northern Brazil, and is caught by hook and line and traps. It has firm, lean white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and an attractive red skin.
Brazilian landings come mainly from the Amazon shelf off Pará and from the northeast coast. Much of the catch is exported frozen, and the fish is used whole for grilling and baking or cut into fillets for foodservice.
Key points
- Wild, hook and trap caught
- Frozen whole gutted and scaled
- Individually wrapped
- Closed season December to April
Origins
Where it comes from
Brazil (Pará)
The Amazon shelf fishery is the main source of Brazilian red snapper exports.
Brazil (Northeast)
Ceará and neighbouring states land and process snapper for export.
Guianas
French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana fish the same species on the shared northern shelf.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Product forms | Frozen whole gutted, gilled and scaled (WGGS); fresh whole |
| Sizes | 250/340 g (1/2 to 3/4 lb); 340/454 g (3/4 to 1 lb); 454/907 g (1 to 2 lb); 907 g and up (2 lb and up) |
| Freezing | Frozen and individually wrapped; stored at minus 18°C or below; 12 months shelf life |
| Packing | Individually wrapped fish in cardboard master cartons |
| Season | Fishing closed 15 December to 30 April; frozen stock available year round |
| Certifications | SIF federal inspection; HACCP; establishment approval for the destination market |
The fishery is managed under an annual catch limit and licensed vessels, so volumes are limited and should be confirmed per season. Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in Red Snapper?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.