Fish ID – Species Glossary

Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS

Description: color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth without a posterior extension; despite its specific name, which translates to “blue-fin,” the fins have only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth in both jaws very strong; one pair of canines enlarged and visible even when mouth is closed.

Similar fish: gray snapper, L. griseus (gray snapper has anchor shaped tooth patch on roof of mouth); other snappers.

Where found: juveniles INSHORE in grass beds; adults OFFHORE or NEARSHOR  over wrecks, reefs, and ledges.

Size: common to 40 pounds.

Remarks: the largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range; feeds on fishes and larger crustaceans; in the Keys, spawns during later summer.