How to Identify a Snapper Fish
Snappers are a group of mostly marine fish found in tropical and subtropical regions. Some are occasionally found in estuarine and freshwater habitats. There are more than 100 varieties with some weighing no more than a pound while others, like the red snapper, can weigh as much as 50 lbs. The red snapper and a few other varieties are prized as food fish. Snappers are classified under the scientific family name Lutjanidae.
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Instructions
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Examine the dorsal fin of the fish. A snapper will have a continuous dorsal fin or one that is slightly notched, with about 10 to12 spines and 10 to 17 soft rays following the spines.
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Look at the mouth parts of the fish. The mouth of a snapper fish is partially covered by bone when it is closed. Other fish that resemble snappers do not have this feature.
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Observe the color of the fish. Many snappers have red or pink bodies. One exception is the yellowtail snapper, which has a yellowish-green body above with a white belly.
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Examine the eyes. A red snapper has a red iris, while a silk snapper has a yellow iris. A big-eye snapper has large dark eyes.
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Check the body for any blotching patterns or spots. Young red snappers have a dark blotch on each side. Blackfin snappers have a prominent black blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. Yellowfin snappers have yellow spots on the upper surface.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog snapper image by Christian Schoettler from Fotolia.com
