The effect of dietary protein (31, 41, 45, and 55%) was evaluated in quadruplicate in the yellow snapper (Lutjanus argentiventris). Specimens were kept in sixteen 200 L plastic tanks for 95 days and the values of growth rate, feeding efficiency and proximate composition of yellow snapper (18 g) were examined. Every 15 days were carried out individual weight measurements and standard length of the total population. At the beginning and end of the experiment, liver and muscle samples were taken for proximate analysis of crude protein and ether extract. In general, the highest gain was obtained with fish fed with 55% crude protein in the diet. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), percent weight gain (WG%), average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency rate (FER) were obtained with the fish fed 55% of protein (CP). The protein content in liver decreased in fish fed with protein levels and higher energy compared with the initial fish. Finally, the use of practical diets containing 55% CP is appropriate for optimal growth and efficiency of feed utilization of yellow snapper. The results obtained in this study may be due to the early stage of development of yellow snapper where protein and energy requirements are higher.