MAHOGANY SNAPPER - Lutjanus mahogoni
March 9th, 2006 by Gillwetter PressFamily Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Descriptions: color grayish-olive with a reddish tinge; conspicuous dark spot, about the size of the eye, below the soft dorsal fin, 1/4 to 1/2 of it below the lateral line; the large eye and caudal fin are bright red; lower margin of the preopercle has prominent spur with strong and sharp serrations.
Similar fish: lane snapper, L. synagris (also with dark spot below soft dorsal; the blotch placed higher in relation to the lateral line on lane snapper).
Where found: NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE in clear water, usually over reefs.
Size: relatively small snapper, common to 15 inches.
Remarks: the Spanish name, ojanco, refers to its large eyes; a night feeder, with diet of smaller fishes.
