Rabirrubia and Yellowtail snapper are the same fish. Different languages, different markets, one species — so a recipe calling for one works exactly as written with the other.
Yellowtail snapper is a slender, vividly colored reef fish found throughout the Florida Keys, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, identifiable by its vivid yellow stripe running from snout to tail. Its flesh is lighter and more delicate than red snapper — mild, sweet, and white — and is typically served whole: grilled, fried, or baked. In Caribbean Spanish it is called rabirrubia, meaning 'yellow tail.' It is a cornerstone of Florida Keys and Caribbean island seafood menus and is popular for whole presentation at the table.
One species, one fishmonger’s counter at a time.
| Country | Called |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Yellowtail snapper |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Yellowtail snapper |
| 🇫🇷France | Vivaneau à queue jaune |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Pargo cola amarilla |
| 🇦🇷Argentina | Rabirrubia |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Rabirrubia |
| 🇵🇹Portugal | Pargo rabo amarelo |
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Pargo rabo amarelo |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Lutiano coda gialla |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Gelbschwanzschnapper |
Browse every species in the atlas on the fish index, or identify one from a photo with Identify my cut.