Mahogany snapper

Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Snappers
Scientific Family Lutjanidae
Scientific Name Lutjanus mahogoni
Spanish Name Ojanco
ITIS# 168858
Tail shape Emarginate

Back and upper sides olive to grey, with a bronze tint, sometimes with pale bars; reddish to coppery below; a dark spot on lateral line under last dorsal spines, 1/4-1/2 of spot is below lateral line. Juvenile: more strongly colored than adult; with a dark oblique stripe from snout through eye to top corner of operculum.


Biology

Lives in clear shallow waters over rocky sea bottoms in the vicinity of coral reefs, less frequently in sandy or seagrass areas. Often forms large groups during the day. Feeds at night mainly on small fish, shrimps, crabs and cephalopods.

Appearance

Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color: red
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side


Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 15 inches (38 cm)
Max Length: 19 inches (48 cm)
Maximum Weight
2.8 lbs (1300 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
NC-FL(E)


Abundance
Uncommon


Other Species from same Family