| REEF FISH |
Lutjanus cyanopterus
Credit: Illustration by Diane Rome Peebles
Family Lutjanidae
Description: color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth without a posterior extension; despite its specific name, which translates to "blue-fin," the fins have only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth in both jaws very strong; one pair of canines enlarged and visible even when mouth is closed
Similar fish: gray snapper, L. griseus (gray snapper has anchor shaped tooth patch on roof of mouth); other snappers
Where found: juveniles inshore in grass beds; adults offshore or nearshore over wrecks, reefs, and ledges
Size: common to 40 pounds
Remarks: the largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range; feeds on fishes and larger crustaceans; in the Keys, spawns during late summer
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