Cubera Snapper
Scientific name: Lutjanus cyanopterus
Appearance:
The cubera snapper has an elongated body that is not very deep. It is dark brown, gray, or reddish in color. Its fins have a slight shade of blue. It has a triangular tooth patch on the roof of its mouth. This snapper possesses very strong canine teeth.
Habitat:
Inshore or nearshore, cubera snappers live in rocky ledges. Adults are commonly seen offshore and nearshore among wrecks, reefs, and ledges. Juvenile fish live inshore among sea grass beds which offer them protection from predators. Small individuals are also known to inhabit estuaries and mangrove areas.
Florida locations:
The cuberan snapper is a tropical species and is rare north of Florida.