Yelloweye Snapper (Lutjanus vivanus)

Common names: silk snapper

Descriptions/size: Yelloweyes brought to dock are pretty consistent- three pounds or a touch more. They superficially resemble red snappers, except for the very bright yellow eyes and finer scales.

Habitat/distribution: The yelloweye is a deep dwelling snapper- not quite as deep as big queen snappers, but down to about 700 feet. They are distributed from the Midwestern Atlantic through Brazil, with most in the Caribbean.

Method of harvest: Vermilion snapper bycatch as well as grouper longline bycatch.

Cooking characteristics: Thanks to the depths at which they live, yelloweyes are one of the most preferred snappers for raw or undercooked applications. They may be used in any preparation which calls for snapper. Delicious, smooth flesh.