Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS

Color pinkish red over entire body, whitish below; long triangular snout; anal fin sharply pointed; no dark lateral spot; red eye.

Similar fish: Silk snapper, L. vivanus.

Where found:OFFSHORE on the continental shelf, more plentilul off the Panhandle than in south or middle Florida.

Size: Common to 20 pounds.

Remarks: Juveniles occur over sandy or mud bottoms and are often taken in shrimp trawls; adults may live more than 20 years, and attain 35 pounds or more; sexual maturity attained at age 2; spawns June to October; feeds on crustaceans and fish.

Florida record: 46 lbs., 8 ozs. .