Key Takeaways
| Fact | Description |
| Scientific Name | Lutjanus Griseus |
| Common Name | Mangrove Snapper and Gray Snapper |
| Habitat | western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Sea. |
| Diet | Small fish, crustaceans (which are small, shelled creatures like crabs and shrimp), cephalopods (which include creatures like squid and octopus), and gastropods (snails). |
| Size | Grow up to 89 cm (35 in) long, but most individuals are usually not more than 40 cm (16 in) long. |
| Weight | Heaviest this species has ever been recorded to weigh is 20 kg (44 lb). |
Introduction
The Mangrove Snapper, scientifically known as Lutjanus Griseus, is a captivating marine species native to the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Sea. It has another name called Gray Snapper.
Habitat
The Mangrove Snapper prefers to live in warm waters. Its common habitats include canals to grass flats, even in open water. These fishes also prefer to inhabit areas with structures such as docks, shipwrecks, coral reefs, and debris. These creatures inhabit the ocean at depths ranging from 5 to 180 meters (16 to 591 feet). However, they are most commonly found in waters that are less than 50 meters (160 feet) deep.
Physical Characteristics
The Mangrove Snapper is slimmer and smaller than most snapper species. This creature usually sports a greyish-red color, but can change from bright red to copper red. If you look at it from above while it’s underwater, you’ll notice a dark stripe running across its eye.
Size and Weight
This species has the potential to grow up to 89 cm (35 in) long, but most individuals are usually not more than 40 cm (16 in) long. The heaviest this species has ever been recorded to weigh is 20 kg (44 lb).
Diet
The Mangrove Snapper has a diet that primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans (which are small, shelled creatures like crabs and shrimp), cephalopods (which include creatures like squid and octopus), and gastropods (snails).
Behavior
Mangrove Snappers are interesting fish. These fish like to stick together and move around as a group. It’s rare to see a Mangrove Snapper all by itself.
Reproduction
The Mangrove Snapper has a fascinating life cycle. During the summer, they swim far out into the ocean to form groups for spawning, which is their way of laying eggs. This usually happens when the moon is full. They also can spawn multiple times in one season.
About 20 hours after the eggs are fertilized, they hatch. In just about two years, they can grow to be 18 to 33 cm long. They can live between 21-28 years lifespan.
Conclusion
Mangrove Snapper, or Lutjanus griseus, is a captivating marine species that thrives in the warm waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its adaptability and unique characteristics, including its greyish-red color and its diet of small fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods, and gastropods. The Mangrove Snapper can reach a length of 89 cm (35 in) and a weight of 20 kg (44 lb). It is a resilient species that forms large aggregations and has a fascinating reproductive cycle influenced by lunar activity. Whether you’re an angler looking for your next catch or a marine life enthusiast interested in learning more about diverse marine species, the Mangrove Snapper certainly offers plenty of interesting facts to discover.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove_snapper
- https://www.takemefishing.org/fish-species/mangrove-snapper/
- https://www.antiguamarinelife.info/Grey_Snapper.html