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Gray Snapper
Scientific Name: Lutjanus griseus

Gray Snappers are also known as "mangrove snappers" because juveniles primarily inhabit tidal creeks, grass beds and mangroves. Immature fish are dark brown to gray, with reddish orange spots running in rows along their sides.

At maturity, however, gray snappers fade to a pale grayish white. They generally grow to lengths of 10-18 inches and weights of 8-16 pounds, and they are usually seen near coastal coral and rocky reefs.

Fun Facts:
  • These fish drift together in small schools, and they are relatively common in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Feeding primarily on crustaceans and small fish, gray snappers are sought by commercial fisherman for their versatile, popular meat.
  • These fish are quite adaptable, living in water as shallow as two feet and as deep as 60 feet.
  • Gregarious by nature, gray snappers in general are easily approached by divers.
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