SPRINGS FIELD GUIDE

Mangrove Snapper

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FISH PROFILE

COMMON NAME

Mangrove Snapper

Scientific name

Lutjanus griseus

FAMILY

Lutjanidae

LENGTH

Around 18 inches

DIET

Fish and crustaceans

Play Video

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 until they reach maturity. Mangrove snappers can be spotted in springs/spring fed rivers near the coast including 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 their chances of being hooked by a fisherman. Mangrove snapper diet includes small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other invertebrates.

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 a popular species for sport fishing.

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