Cubera Snapper
Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus cyanopterus
Illustration and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
Description: color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth without a posterior extension; despite its specific name, which translates to "blue-fin," the fins have only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth in both jaws very strong; one pair of canines enlarged and visible even when mouth is closed.
Similar Fish: gray snapper.
Where found: juveniles INSHORE in grass beds; adults OFFSHORE or NEARSHORE over wrecks, reefs, and ledges.
Possession and Size Limits: 10 per person in snapper aggregate, 12” TL.
Federal Recreational Season: None
Size: common to 40 pounds.
Remarks: the largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range; feeds on fishes and larger crustaceans; in the Keys, spawns during later summer.
