Fun Queen Snapper Facts For Kids

Akinwalere Olaleye
Nov 07, 2022 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Aug 06, 2021
Edited by Luca Demetriou
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
Queen snapper facts about the fish species with a caudal fin deeply forked and scale rows on back.

The queen snapper (etelis oculatus) is a fish species also known by other names such as night snapper or bream snapper and belongs to the species of ray-finned fishes. The queen snapper’s body is slender and elongated and has large eyes, and also a snout that is short.

There are one or two pairs of canine teeth in the front of their jaws. The dorsal fin of queen snapper (etelis oculatus) is mostly found in destinations of warmer mid depths waters.

Here are some fun, engaging and interesting facts on queen snapper (etelis oculatus) fish for your perusal. Afterwards, do check our other articles on codfish facts and fluke fish facts.
 

Queen Snapper Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a queen snapper?

A queen snapper (etelis oculatus) is a type of fish that belongs to the species of ray-finned fishes that are generally big in size as compared to the other species, such as silk snapper. They are bright red in color and have powerful teeth in the front of their jaws in order to attack their prey.

This species can survive at extreme depths as well.

What class of animal does a queen snapper belong to?

Queen snapper (etelis oculatus) belongs to the class of circle hooks ray-finned fishes. Different species of fishes that belong to the ray-finned fishes and queen snapper are one of them. They have a silvery body, scale rows on the back are parallel to the lateral line, caudal fin is deeply forked, and the dorsal fin is notched.

How many queen snappers are there in the world?

There is no accurate and rough number so as to how many adults of this species are there in the world and the conservation status of queen snapper (etilis oculatus) fish with IUCN is that of Data Deficient. But a bag limit of 10 individuals have been applied to prevent them from overfishing across every fishing destination.

Where does a queen snapper live?

Queen snapper (etilis oculatus) adults mostly prefer to live in circle hooks of warmer waters. The preferred destination to live along rocky reefs, offshore to deep water reefs, rocky ledges, and on mud slopes where they can get their feed and prey easily which is a part of their diet.

They are found at depths of about 300-400 ft (91.4-122 m).

What is a queen snapper's habitat?

The queen snapper adults prefer a habitat destination that offer considerable depths warmer water, over rocky reefs, offshore to deep water reefs.

Who do queen snappers live with?

Queen snappers usually prefer to live alone rather than living in groups somewhere in continental shelf.

How long does a queen snapper live?

Queen snappers species are said to live for a lifespan of 57 years that was reported in the Gulf of Mexico. They live for as long as 51 years if they get the proper environment and food to eat.

How do they reproduce?

The spawning of queen snappers species takes place through most of the year which peaks towards the end of the year. During the spring season, these fish are not reproductively active.

The female fish release eggs in the water and the male fish also release their sperm in the water column which is above the seafloor, at the same time in order to start the process.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of queen snappers species as Data Deficient. The bag limit of  10 specimens indicate that their population needs to prevented from overfishing. It is possible that the bag limit may be altered in the future based on the population trends.

Queen Snapper Fun Facts

What do queen snappers look like?

Queen snappers are large in size and are bright red in color from the belly and tail and sides. Their red body and belly is elongated and slender in shape.

They have a flat infraorbital area, eyes that are large, and a snout that is short with the lower jaw which is slightly protruding. Their jaws also have red bands that have teeth that are small and conical in shape, and the outer row also consists of larger teeth that are spread across widely.

How cute are they?

Queen snappers are cute because of their small fin color and also because of their size. Snappers use baits to trap their prey using their fin. These baits are highly clever traps.

How do they communicate?

There is no accurate mention so as to how queen snappers communicate. But, they mostly communicate through the use of physical vibrations.

How big is a queen snapper?

Queen snappers are big in size as compared to the other species of a fin fish. They are around 26 in (66.04 cm) in length, which makes them big in size when compared to the other small fishes.

How fast can a queen snapper move?

There is no accurate speed so as to how fast a queen snapper can move near the Caribbean sea but they can go deep in the water. They can go extremely deep down in the water in order to be safe from predators and also to get their food.

How much does a queen snapper weigh?

Queen snappers are heavy in weight according to their body structure and body size. They weigh around 6.6 lb (2.9 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There is no accurate name so as to what a male and female queen snapper called. They are known as male queen snappers and female queen snappers only.

What would you call a baby queen snapper?

There is no specific name for a baby queen snapper. Hence, they are known as juvenile queen snappers.  

What do they eat?

Queen snappers feed on fish and squids which make most of their diet. Therefore, they do not eat any other diet other than fish and giant squids.

The known predators of queen snappers comprises of various types of sharks and dolphins.

Are they poisonous?

Yes, queen snappers are poisonous. Snapper uses its fin to set up baits and poison its prey using its fin.

Would they make a good pet?

No, they do not make good pets as they cannot be kept in the house because of their food habits and also because of their size. They get big in size over time and keeping them as a pet in the house is not advisable.

Did you know...

The queen snapper is eaten by many people by using any of the methods. Queen snappers are usually caught with the help of a long line or hook and line.

The dorsal fin of queen snappers has 10 spines and soft rays that are a total of 11 while the big anal fin has three spines and eight soft rays. Queen snappers have pectoral fins that are very long and pointed.

Queen snappers are good to eat and the flesh can be cooked through baking, broiling and boiling. But out of all the snappers, the red snapper is regarded as the best in terms of eating.

These fishes have enlarged canine teeth, which is why they are called snappers.

Queen snapper world record

Queen snapper’s latest record length is around 10.2 in (26 cm) for a queen snappers which was caught recently. Out of all the snappers, the cubera snapper is certainly the largest.

Queen snapper vs. Red snapper

Queen snappers are very similar to the different species of snappers. Queen snappers are the same as compared to the red snappers which are sweet and mild and also their texture is moist. The differences between the queen snapper and red snapper are the color, size, shape, and habitat which might differ accordingly.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these swai fish facts and skate fish facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable queen snapper coloring pages.

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Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

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Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

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Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

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