Gray/Mangrove Snapper
Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus griseus
Illustration 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.
Possession and Size Limits: 10 per person in snapper aggregate, 12” TL.
Federal Recreational Season: None
Size: offshore catches common 8 to 10 pounds.
Remarks: spawns June through August; feeds on crustaceans and small fish.
