Grey snapper
Gray snapper
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Snappers
Scientific Family Lutjanidae
Scientific Name Lutjanus griseus
Spanish Name Caballerete
ITIS# 168848
Tail shape Emarginate
Dorsal profile of head slightly concave, snout long and pointed. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back parallel to lateral line anteriorly, but rising obliquely posteriorly, below soft part of dorsal fin. Young specimens with a dark stripe from snout through the eye to upper opercle and a blue stripe on cheek below eye.
Biology
Adults found in coastal as well as offshore waters around coral reefs, rocky areas, estuaries, mangrove areas, and sometimes in lower reaches of rivers (especially the young). They are found in fresh water in Florida. Often forming large groups. Feed mainly at night on small fishes, shrimps, crabs, gastropods, cephalopods and some planktonic items. Easily approached.
Appearance
Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Gray
Other Color: white
Other Color: white
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side
Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 16 inches (40 cm)
Max Length: 35 inches (89 cm)
Max Length: 35 inches (89 cm)
Maximum Weight
44 lbs (20000 g)
Specifications
Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
MA-TX
Abundance
Abundant
