Gray Snapper

The Gray Snapper has a streamlined, compressed body that is typically gray, sometimes with a faint reddish tint. A broad dark bar may extend from the tip of the snout through the eye to the origin of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin and tail may have a dark margin. Juveniles have a dark stripe that runs from the snout through the eye to the dorsal fin.

This Snapper, also known as the Mangrove Snapper, is often found in coastal waters. It can be seen alone or in small schools on the reef, near piers and wrecks. Juveniles often live in shallow habitats like seagrass beds and mangroves. They are generally not shy and feed mainly at night on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and even some plankton. Spawning occurs in large groups offshore during the summer months. The Gray Snapper is known to make grunting and clicking sounds for communication.