Cubera Snapper

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