
To catch a queen snapper you will probably need to use a deep drop rig to get your bait down to their level. This species of snapper is closely related to other deep-dwelling species from the indo-pacific region. The Queen snapper is a bit harder to reach, inhabiting water between 3ft deep. Their deep red back and silvery-pink sides stretch across their elongated body and end at a deeply forked tail. Source: ) What is a Queen Snapper?Īs the name suggests, the queen snapper is an elegant fish. This fish can highlight a trip with their substantial size and aesthetic colors, and many an angler will be super pumped to get a mutton on board. Like many other species, Mutton snapper prefer depths of less than 300ft making them accessible without using special gear. This fish can come in a wide range of sizes varying from 10-20lbs. This species also has distinct blue lines on its cheeks and a black dot on each side. The mutton snapper has a wide variety of color variation but commonly has a gray to green coloration on its back that fades to a silvery belly with pink fins. (Mutton Snapper and a few Lane Snapper) What is a Mutton Snapper?

Usually found at depths between 20-250ft, this fish has been documented at an amazing 1300ft below the surface.

The preferred habitat for the lane snapper varies because of the wide range of depths these fish can be found. They also display horizontal lines down their side that can vary from yellow to pink. They make up for their small size with a distinct coloration of red to pink on their upper sides fading to a silvery yellow belly. Average size for this species is 1-2lbs and around 14 inches. Big lane snapper may hit the 5 pound mark and get to a length over 20 inches. Lane snapper are one of the smaller snapper species.
YELLOW TAIL SNAPPER PATCH
If there is a tooth patch on the roof of its mouth you have a Cubera snapper. The safest way to identify which species you are looking at is to look inside the mouth. Mangrove snapper have a pointed snout, thin lips, and small teeth, compared to the Cubera snapper’s blunt snout, thick lips, and large teeth. Occasionally the size of these fish will overlap so looking for more distinct features will be helpful. This species is also much smaller with an average length of 18 inches, and weighing 10 pounds. The Mangrove snapper prefers deeper water and can be found at depths of up to 600ft. Cubera snapper have a gray to dark brown coloration which is similar to the Mangrove snapper.Īlthough Mangrove snapper (commonly and affectionately called mangos) have a similar coloration, there are several key differences between the two species. Although they are large they are generally found in shallower water than other snapper species - the usual depth for these fish is between 50-200ft. If that's not impressive, the Cubera snapper record stands at 124 pounds and was caught by a fisherman out of Louisiana. What’s the Difference Between Cubera and Mangrove Snapper?Ĭubera snapper are the largest snapper species that inhabit these waters and commonly grow three feet long and over 40 lbs. For more information see information on red snapper fishing and recent regulations. Unfortunately their popularity has led to overfishing in the past, and now strict regulations are in place to protect this species.

Due to their delicious reputation these fish also have a strong commercial harvest.

Red Snapper are aggressive eaters which make catching one an exhilarating experience. They can live for more than 50 years and grow up to 40 inches and 50 lbs. Red Snapper schools can be found around underwater structure at depths greater than 50 feet. is the Northern Red Snapper (Red Snapper for short). What are the Most Popular Snapper Species in the U.S.? What is a Red Snapper?īy far the most popular snapper in the U.S.
