Dog Snapper

Dog Snapper Fishing Information

source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles

Description: color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides; canine teeth very sharp, one pair notably enlarged, visible even when mouth is closed; in adults, pale triangle and a light blue interrupted line below the eye; no dark spot on body underneath dorsal fin.

Similar fish: schoolmaster, L. apodus (no white triangle under eye, and fins are more yellow); other snappers.

Where found: large adults OFFSHORE over coral and rocky reefs; juveniles associated with estuaries.

Size: large snapper, attaining 30 pounds.

Remarks: spawns from spring through fall; known as a night feeder, taking fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans.