Family Lutjanidae, Snappers
Lutjanus cyanopterus

Description: color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge; broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth with 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.

Where found: inshore,on grassbeds and in rivers when the salinity permits; larger adults occasionally found on offshore reefs. More common East of here.

Size: common to 40 pounds.

Note: the largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds; not common anywhere in its range; feeds on fishes and larger crustaceans.