Gray Snapper
(mangrove snapper)

Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus griseus
Illustrations and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.

Description: color dark brown or gray with reddish or orange spots in rows along the sides; dark horizontal band from snout through eye (young only); two conspicuous canine teeth at front of upper jaw; dorsal fins have dark or reddish borders; no dark spot on side underneath dorsal fin.

Similar Fish: cubera snapper, L. cyanopterus.

Where found: juveniles INSHORE in tidal creeks, mangroves, and grass beds; adults generally NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE on coral or rocky reefs.

Size: offshore catches common 8 to 10 pounds.

*Florida Record: 16 lbs., 8 ozs.

Remarks: spawns June through August; feeds on crustaceans and small fish.

* The Florida records quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.