Moderately deep bodied fish with a very shallow forked tail. Body has pinkish-reddish hue with narrow, yellow horizontal stripes. Belly may have more white than pink. A dark spot may be present just below the anterior part of the soft dorsal fin. However, it may be faded or not present. The single dorsal fin will have a yellow margin.
Average Maximum Size:
35 cm (14 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Lane Snapper can be distinguished from the Gray Snapper by its angular caudal fin margin, the typical presence of a dark body spot beneath the soft portion of the dorsal fin, and several rows of horizontal yellow stripes running the length of the body.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juveniles may have dark gray vertical bars on a pale background. A spot may be present beneath the dorsal fin.
Range:
North Carolina to Brazil
Habitat:
Shallow coastal waters over a variety of bottoms, but primarily prefers coral reefs and vegetated bottoms with sand.
