Thursday, May 20, 2010

Mahogany Snapper


Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS Lutjanus mahogoni

Description: color graysh-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).

Where found: NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE in clear, highly saline water, usually over reefs.

Size: relatively small snapper, common to 15 inches.


*Florida Record: n/a

Remarks: the Spanish name, ojanco, refers to its large eyes; a night feeder, with diet of smaller fishes.

* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.

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