Redfish and red snapper are popular fish for both anglers and seafood enthusiasts, often appearing on menus and in fish markets. Despite the similar-sounding names and reddish hues, these two species are distinct. The common naming convention can lead to confusion, but understanding their biological differences clarifies that they are not the same fish. This article will explore the key distinctions between redfish and red snapper.
Are They the Same?
Redfish and red snapper are not the same species; they belong to entirely different biological families. Redfish, scientifically known as Sciaenops ocellatus, is a type of drum, classified under the family Sciaenidae. This family includes various drum and croaker species. Conversely, red snapper, or Lutjanus campechanus, is a member of the snapper family, Lutjanidae.
Key Distinctions
The differences between redfish and red snapper extend beyond their scientific classifications to their physical appearance, preferred habitats, typical sizes, and even their culinary characteristics.
Physical Appearance
Redfish, also called red drum, have a copper-bronze body that fades to a lighter belly, and they are identified by one or more distinct black spots at the base of their tail. Their body shape is more elongated and streamlined, and they possess a dorsal fin with a deep notch. Red snapper, in contrast, exhibit a deep rosy-red coloration that lightens on the underside, often lacking the prominent tail spot found on redfish. They tend to have a deeper, more compressed body shape with a long triangular face and enlarged canine teeth.
Habitat
Redfish primarily inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and even some freshwater areas, especially when young. They are often found around seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and other structures in depths ranging from 1 to 4 feet. Red snapper, conversely, are typically found in deeper offshore waters, preferring hard structures like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs on the continental shelf at depths from 30 to 620 feet. While juveniles may be found in shallower, muddy or sandy bottoms, adults migrate to these deeper, structured habitats.
Size
Redfish can grow quite large, with typical adults weighing 6 to 8 pounds and reaching lengths of 28 to 33 inches. The largest recorded redfish weighed over 94 pounds. Red snapper grow at a moderate rate, commonly reaching about 24 inches and 50 pounds, with some individuals living over 50 years. Most red snapper harvested are between 2 and 7 years old and typically weigh 2 to 4 pounds.
Culinary Characteristics
Redfish are known for their lean, white flesh and mild flavor, making them versatile for various dishes. Their meat is often described as firm. Red snapper offers lean, moist flesh with a firm texture and a distinctive sweet, nutty flavor. The raw flesh of red snapper is pinkish with yellow streaks, which lightens when cooked.
Why the Confusion Persists
The persistent confusion between redfish and red snapper stems from several factors, primarily their common names and shared physical characteristics. Both fish incorporate “red” in their names. This shared nomenclature contributes significantly to their frequent misidentification.
Coloration
Both species also display reddish hues, which can be particularly pronounced when freshly caught, but in certain lighting or water conditions, their coloration can appear similar to the casual observer. This visual overlap further blurs the lines for those unfamiliar with their specific identifying features.
Habitat Overlap
Although their primary habitats differ, there can be some limited geographic overlap in broader fishing regions. While redfish are predominantly found in shallow coastal waters and red snapper in deeper offshore structures, both can be caught in the general vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This means anglers might encounter both species, albeit in different specific depths or locations, contributing to the perceived similarity.
Lack of Knowledge
A general lack of detailed biological knowledge among the public and even some recreational anglers contributes to the misconception. Many consumers and fishers may not be aware of the precise scientific classifications or subtle morphological differences that distinguish these two unrelated species. The common usage of “redfish” as a general term for various reddish-colored fish also adds to the ambiguity.