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Info > Gray Snapper
| |
| Scientific
Name: |
Lutjanus
griseus |
| Common
Names: |
Black
Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Mango Snapper. |
| Range
& Habitat: |
Gulfwide.
Juveniles under 12 inches long are common in saline coastal
lakes and bays. Larger fish are in offshore waters up to 200
feet deep, with the largest fish being farthest offshore.
Small fish inshore are often found on open bottoms. Offshore,
they show a strong attraction to obstructions - rocks, reefs,
wrecks, and offshore oil & gas platforms. |
| Identification
& Biology: |
The
upper body color of this fish is gray to gray-green with strong
reddish to brick-reddish overtones. The belly is lighter in
color. Faint vertical bars may also be visible on the sides.
It most closely resembles the cubera snapper, see which for
differentiation tips. Gray snappers grow rapidly the first
6 to 7 years of their life, reaching 11 inches by age 2 and
21 inches by age 8. They can live to 25 years and reach 30
inches in length. Gray snappers typically mature at age 2
or 3. Spawning takes place at dusk during the full moons of
June, July, and August. They feed most heavily in late afternoon
or night, leaving their reef habitats to forage on nearby
open bottoms. Gray snappers are known for being cunning and
avoiding a baited hook or spear fisherman. Usually after a
few are hooked or speared, the others on a site will give
hooks or divers wide berth. |
| Size: |
Commonly
found at 1 to 6 pounds, they can grow to over 10 pounds, occasionally
even larger. |
| Food
Value: |
Excellent.
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