(Linnaeus, 1758); LUTJANIDAE FAMILY; also
called mangrove snapper, mango snapper
Grey snapper are one of the most abundant
species of snapper throughout their range,
which includes Bermuda south to Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, and the entire Gulf of
Mexico and Caribbean. They are found in a
variety of habitats, which includes inshore
seagrass beds and mangrove lagoons, but the
largest are located on offshore reefs and
wrecks. They also be found in completely
freshwater areas in parts of Florida. They
often form large aggregations, but have the
habit of becoming difficult to catch once
several of their cohorts have been hooked.
Grey snapper feed on a wide variety of prey
items including shrimp, crabs, and fish. It
is a popular species with anglers and its
varied diet allows it to be taken on natural
bait, artificial lures, and even flies. It
is also an excellent eating species.
