Gray Snapper

Lutjanus griseus

Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Regions

Florida

Protected status

None

Also known as

—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC

Size

Common to 24 inches (10 pounds)

Similar species

Cubera snapper, L. cyanopterus (triangleshaped tooth patch and grow much larger than gray snapper); schoolmaster, L. apodus (yellow fins and faint white bars); and true black snapper, A. dentatus (rare in Florida; do not range north of the Florida Keys) Size: Common to 24 inches (10 pounds)

Appearance

Dark brown or gray in color, with red-orange spots in bars along the sides
Two large canine teeth near front of upper jaw
Anchor-shaped vomerine tooth patch
Dorsal fins with dark or reddish borders
Young have dark stripe from snout, through eye, to upper edge of gill cover

Habitat

Coastal waters near structure such as reefs, mangroves and seagrass. Juveniles may enter freshwater.

Behavior

Spawn June through August. Feeds on crustaceans and small fish.

Additional information

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Sources

Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

FWC Wildlife Habitats Profile (FL)