Dog Snapper

Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus jocu

Description: color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notably enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale triangle and a light blue interrupted line below the eye; no dark spot on body underneath dorsal fin.

Similar Fish: schoolmaster, L. apodus (no white triangle under eye and fins are more yellow); other snappers.

Where found: large adults OFFSHORE over coral and rocky reefs; juveniles associated with estuaries.

Size: large snapper, attaining 30 pounds.

*Florida Record: n/a

Remarks: spawns from spring through fall; known as night feeder; taking fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans.

 

*The Florida records quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.