Mangrove Snapper
FISH PROFILE
COMMON NAME
Mangrove Snapper
Scientific name
Lutjanus griseus
FAMILY
Lutjanidae
LENGTH
Around 18 inches
DIET
Fish and crustaceans
FISH PROFILE
COMMON NAME
Mangrove Snapper
Scientific name
Lutjanus griseus
FAMILY
Lutjanidae
LENGTH
Around 18 inches
DIET
Fish and crustaceans
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Mangrove snappers have rows of red-orange spots/stripes along their side. Their dorsal fin is elongated and has prominent rays on the first half of the dorsal, with a rounder, smoother second half. A dark red color outlines their dorsal fin. Juveniles have a dark stripe running diagonally through their eye from their snout to the upper edge of the operculum and are lighter in color than the adults. Mangrove snapper also have large canine teeth which allows them to have a more general diet.
RANGE, HABITAT, BEHAVIOR, AND dIET
The mangrove snapper is typically found from Florida to Brazil and across the Gulf of Mexico. They are marine fish as adults, but juvenile mangrove snappers migrate into estuaries and Florida’s rivers to grow and mature. Mangrove snappers will most likely be seen in springs near the coast, like Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Three Sisters (Crystal River/King’s Bay). They can be found in seagrass beds and mangroves, with larger individuals located on offshore reefs and wrecks. Typically, large aggregations are formed, which can decrease the chances of being hooked by a fisherman. Mangrove snapper have a generalist diet that includes shrimp, crabs, and fish due to having larger canine teeth.
FUN FACTS
Mangrove snapper spawn in large aggregations offshore, broadcasting millions of eggs during full moons! They are also the most abundant snapper species in their range, making them an excellent target species for fishing.