Lutjanus griseus
Mangrove Snapper, Black Snapper
The Gray Snapper is colored dark brown or gray with reddish or orange spots in rows along the sides; There is a dark horizontal band from snout, through the eye (young only) and two conspicuous canine teeth at front of upper jaw. The dorsal fins have dark or reddish borders and there is no dark spot on the side underneath the dorsal fin.
Adult Gray Snapper prey upon small fishes, shrimps, and crabs.
The Gray Snapper is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Bermuda, southward to Brazil, including Bermuda, Bahamas, West Indies, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. It is especially abundant around the coastline of Florida.
The juveniles are inshore in tidal creeks, mangroves, and grass beds; adults generally are near shore or offshore on coral or rocky reefs.
The Gray Snapper is commonly caught from 8-10 pounds and rarely exceeds 18 inches in size.
17 pounds, 0 ounces (IGFA)