Yellowtail Snapper
Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Ocyurus chrysurus
Illustration and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
Description: back and upper sides olive to bluish with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes; prominent midlateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal fin yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spot.
Similar Fish: none.
Where found: juveniles INSHORE on grassbeds and back reefs; adults NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs.
Possession and Size Limits: 10 per person in snapper aggregate, 12” TL.
Federal Recreational Season: None
Size: common to 3 pounds.
Remarks: found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in midsummer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates.
