Other names: Gray snapper
The Mangrove snapper, is a common coastal fish found in the western Atlantic and Caribbean regions. Known for its adaptability, this species inhabits a variety of environments, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. It has a sleek, silvery-gray body, often with a darker stripe running from its snout to its dorsal fin. The Gray Snapper is a popular target for anglers due to its tasty flesh and challenging fight, making it a valued species both commercially and recreationally.
Other names
Gray snapper
Length
~40" (max 89)
Weight
~2" (max 20)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
13-16° F
Depth
5-180 ft
Crabs
Croaker
Cut Bait (Fish)
Gulp jigging shrimp
Gulp! Saltwater Shrimp
Jerk Shad
Minnows
Mud Minnows
Mullet
PilchardsSorry. Regulation data is empty
Mangrove snapper thrives in diverse habitats, from mangroves and seagrass beds to coral reefs and rocky shores
It prefers shallow waters but can also be found in deeper offshore areas, especially around structures like shipwrecks and reefs
This species is highly adaptable, using both natural and artificial shelters for cover and ambush hunting
Its diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, making it an opportunistic feeder
Mangrove snapper matures early, with spawning occurring mainly during warmer months
Spawning typically happens offshore, with eggs and larvae carried by currents back to coastal nurseries
Juveniles settle in sheltered areas such as mangroves and estuaries, where they find protection and food
As they grow, they gradually move to deeper waters, maintaining strong site fidelity, often returning to the same spawning grounds annually
