Mahogany Snapper: Lutjanus mahogoni

Appearance:

• Color grayish-olive with a reddish tinge
• Conspicuous dark spot, about the size of the eye, is located below the soft dorsal fin, 1/4 to 1/2 of it below the lateral line
• The large eye and caudal fin are bright red
• Lower margin of the preopercle has prominent spur with strong and sharp serrations
  
  

Habitat:

Mahogany snapper are found nearshore or offshore in clear, highly saline water, usually over reefs.

Behavior:

Mahogany snappers are night feeders and eat mainly smaller fishes.

State Record:

This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Additional Information:

Mahogany snapper are similar in appearance to the  lane snapper, L. synagris.  Lane snappers also have a dark spot below soft dorsal fin, but the blotch is placed higher in relation to the lateral line than it is on the Mahogany snapper. 

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles