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