Florida Big Game Saltwater Fish Identification

Blacktip Shark


Blacktip Shark:
Appearance:

• Dark, bluish-gray (young paler) back, with a distinctive whitish stripe on the flank
• The inside tip of the pectoral fin is conspicuously black, as are the dorsal and anal fin tips, and lower lobe of caudal in young blacktips
• First dorsal fin begins above the axil of pectoral fin
• No middorsal ridge
• Upper and lower teeth are serrated and nearly symmetrical

Habitat:


Blacktips often come inshore in large schools, particularly in association with Spanish mackerel. Frequently the most common shark in clear-water cuts and along beaches in Florida and Bahamas.



Behavior:


State Record:
152 lbs. (blacktip).

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Blacktip sharks are sometimes caught by sportfishers off the beach or offshore They provide a good fight, often leaping out of the water.

Additional Information:

 

lackfin Snapper

Blackfin Snapper: Lutjanus buccanella
Appearance:

• Color is generally red, with yellowish caudal, anal, and pelvic fins
• Distinctive and prominent dark comma-shaped blotch at the base of the pectoral fins, which gives the fish its common name
• The anal fin is rounded
• No black spot found on the side underneath dorsal fin

Habitat:


Adult blackfin snapper are found offshore near the continental shelf.



Behavior:


Blackfin snapper aer sometimes marketed as red snapper. They feed on smaller fishes.



State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Size: common to 20 inches, larger adults seeking deeper waters.

Additional Information:

 

Cubera Snapper


Cubera Snapper: Lutjanus cyanopterus
Appearance:

• Color dark brown or gray, may have a reddish tinge
• Broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of mouth without a posterior extension
• Despite its specific name, which translates to "blue-fin," the fins have only a slight tinge of blue; canine teeth in both jaws very strong
• One pair of canines are enlarged and visible even when the mouth is closed
  
  

Habitat:


Juveniles are found inshore in grass beds. Adults are common offshore and nearshore over wrecks, reefs, and ledges.



Behavior:


Cubera snappers are the largest of the snappers, ranging to 125 pounds. . They are not common anywhere in its range. These snapper feed on fishes and larger crustaceans. Spawning occurs in the late summer in the Keys.



State Record:
116 lb, caught near Clearwater

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Similar Fish: gray snapper.

Additional Information:

 

Dog Snapper


Dog Snapper: Lutjanus jocu
Appearance:

• Color brown with a bronze tinge, lighter on sides
• Canine teeth are very sharp and one pair is notably enlarged, visible even when the mouth is closed
• In adults, a pale triangle and a light blue interrupted line are below the eye
• No dark spot is found on the body underneath dorsal fin
  
  

Habitat:


Large adults are found offshore over coral and rocky reefs. Juveniles are associated with estuaries.



Behavior:


Dog snapper spawn from spring through fall. Known as night feeders, these snapper eat fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans.



State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Similar Fish: schoolmaster, L. apodus (no white triangle under eye and fins are more yellow); other snappers.

Additional Information:

 

Gray Snapper


Gray Snapper: Lutjanus griseus
Appearance:

• Dark brown or gray with reddish or orange spots in rows along the sides
• A dark horizontal band from snout through eye is present in young only
• Two conspicuous canine teeth are present at front of upper jaw
• Ddorsal fins have dark or reddish borders
• No dark spot is present on side underneath dorsal fin
  
  

Habitat:


Juvenile gray snapper are found inshore in tidal creeks, mangroves, and grass beds. Adults are generally found nearshore or offshore on coral or rocky reefs.





Behavior:


Spawning occurs June through August. Gray snapper feed on crustaceans and small fish.



State Record:
17 lb, caught near Port Canaveral

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Gray snapper caught offshore are common 8 to 10 pounds. Gray snapper are similar in appearance to the cubera snapper, L. cyanopterus.

Additional Information:

 

Lane Snapper


Lane Snapper: Lutjanus synagris
Appearance:

• Color silvery-pink to reddish with short, irregular pink and yellow lines on its sides
• Diffuse black spot, about as large as the eye
• The dorsal fin centered above the lateral line
• The outer margin of caudal fin blackish
  
  

Habitat:


Juvenile lane snapper are found inshore over grass beds or shallow reefs. Adults are typically found offshore and are most common in south Florida.





Behavior:


Lane snapper spawn from March through September. They are sexually mature at 6 inches. Lane snapper feed on the bottom, eating crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.



State Record:
6 lb 6 oz, caught near Pensacola

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:
Lane snapper are similar in appearence to mutton snapper, L. analis. However, the anal fin is rounded in lane snapper and pointed in mutton.

 

Mahogany Snapper


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.

 

Mutton Snapper


Mutton Snapper: Lutjanus analis
Appearance:

• Color olive green on back and upper sides
• All fins below the lateral line having reddish tinge
• Bright blue line below eye, following contour of operculum
• Anal fin pointed
• Small black spot below dorsal fin
• V-shaped tooth patch on roof of the mouth
  

Habitat:


Mutton snapper are an inshore species associated with grassbeds, mangroves, and canals. Larger adults are occasionally found on offshore reefs.



Behavior:


These snapper spawn in July and August. Mutton snapper feed on fish, crustaceans, and snails.



State Record:
30 lb 4 oz, caught near the Dry Tortugas

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:
Mutton snapper are similar in appearance to lane snapper, L. synagris. Mutton snapper's anal fin is pointed whereas it is rounded in the lane snapper.

 

Queen Snapper


Queen Snapper: Etelis oculatus
Appearance:

• Color of back and upper sides red
• Silvery body long and slender
• Dorsal fin distinctly notched
• Large eyes
• Caudal fin deeply forked
• No dark lateral spot

Habitat:
Queen snapper are common offshore over rocky reefs of the continental shelf to 450 feet deep. Young queen snapper suspend at mid-depths.


Behavior:
There is little is known about the queen snapper, but it is reported that adults live at depths greater than 400 feet.

State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:
Queen snapper are a small species, usually less than 20 inches.

 

Red Snapper


Red Snapper: Lutjanus campechanus
Appearance:

• Color pinkish red over entire body, whitish below
• Long triangular snout
• Anal fin is sharply pointed
• No dark lateral spot
• Red eye

Habitat:


Juvenile red snapper occur over sandy or mud bottoms. Sexual maturity is attained at age 2.



Behavior:


Red snapper feed on crustaceans and fish.



State Record:
46 lb 8 oz, caught near Destin

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Snappers will take soft-bodied jigs, bucktails and spoons.

Additional Information:
Adult red snapper may live more than 20 years and attain 35 pounds or more.

 

Schoolmaster


Schoolmaster: Lutjanus apodus
Appearance:

• Color olive gray on upper sides with yellow tinge, sometimes with reddish tinge around head
• Long triangular snout
• Eight pale vertical bars on the side of the body
• Yellow fins
• Blue stripe below eye, becoming interrupted in adults
• No dark lateral spot

Habitat:
Juvenile schoolmaster are found in grassy flats. Adults frequent nearshore, especially around elkhorn coral reefs. Large adults are sometimes found on the continental shelf.


Behavior:
These fish spawn in July and August. Schoolmaster may attain sizes up to 8 pounds and 24 inches. They feed on crustaceans, small fishes, and gastropods.

State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:
Schoolmaster are similar in appearance to the dog snapper, L. jocu.

 

Silk Snapper


Silk Snapper: Lutjanus vivanus
Appearance:

• Back and upper sides pinkish red, shading to silvery sides with undulating yellow lines
• Pectorals are pale yellow
• Back edge of caudal fin is blackish
• Anal fin pointed
• No dark lateral spot

Habitat:
Silk snapper are common offshore over rocky ledges in very deep water. They are most common in south Florida.

Behavior:


Little is known about the behavior of the silk snapper.



State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:

 

Vermilion Snapper


Vermilion Snapper: Rhomboplites aurorubens
Appearance:
color of entire body reddish, with a series of short, irregular lines on its sides, diagonal blue lines formed by spots on the scales above the lateral line; sometimes with yellow streaks below the lateral line; large canine teeth absent; orientation of mouth and eye give it the appearance of looking upward; no dark lateral spot.


Habitat:
suspends at mid-depths over rocky reefs OFFSHORE.

Behavior:
spawns April to September, females maturing at 3 to 4 years of age; grows slowly; attains weight of 6 pounds and length of 24 inches; feeds on small, swimming crustaceans and mollusks

State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Similar Fish: red snapper, L. campechanus (anal fin of red snapper has midpoint like a triangle).

Additional Information:

 

Yellowtail Snapper


Yellowtail Snapper: Ocyurus chrysurus
Appearance:
back and upper sides olive to bluish with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes; prominent midlateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal fin yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spot.

Habitat:
juveniles INSHORE on grassbeds and back reefs; adults NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs.

Behavior:
found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in midsummer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates.

State Record:
8 lb 9 oz, caught near Ft. Myers

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:

 

Snook


Snook: Centropomus undecimalis
Appearance:

• Distinct lateral line
• High, divided dorsal fin
• Sloping forehead
• Large mouth, protruding lower jaw
• Grows much larger than other snooks
• Pelvic fin yellow
  
  

Habitat:


Snook are found from central Florida south, usually inshore in coastal and brackish waters. They are also common along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges. Snook are also on reefs and around pilings nearshore.





Behavior:


They congregate in large schools during summer in deep passes and inlets to spawn. Snook begin life as males, but between 18 and 22 inches long some become females. Spawning occurs primarily in summer. Snook school along shore and in passes during spawning season. They feed on fish and large crustaceans.



State Record:
44 lb 3 oz, caught near Ft. Myers

Fishing Tips and Facts:
They orient themselves to face moving water and wait for prey to be carried down the current. Snook jump clear of the water, and burst into long runs. Use live pinfish, small mullet, shrimp, or sardines free-lined or fished off the bottom with a fish finder rig. They take a large variety of lures based on water conditions. Beware of the snook’s razor-sharp gill covers! Snook make excellent table fare.

Additional Information:
Snook cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60˚F. Also, snook can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater.

 

Fat Snook


Fat Snook: Centropomus parallelus
Appearance:

• Deeper body than other snooks
• Color yellow-brown to green-brown above, silvery on sides
• Black lateral line extends onto tail
• Mouth reaches to or beyond center of eye
• Usually no dusky outer edge on pelvic fin, as in other snooks
• Smallest scales of all snooks

Habitat:


This is an inshore species found in mangrove habitats. Fat snook are also found commonly in fresh waters. They occur more in interior waters (as opposed to estuarine waters) than other snook.





Behavior:


usually found in fresh water; mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young.



State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Similar Fish: other Centropomus.

Additional Information:

 

Swordspine Snook


Swordspine Snook: Centropomus ensiferus
Appearance:
smallest of the snooks; profile slightly concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black (not solid), extends through caudal fin; color yellow-green to brown-green above, silvery below; giant second anal spine, hence the name; largest scales of all snook

Habitat:
occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida to as far north on east coast as St. Lucie River.

Behavior:
full-grown adults are less than 12 inches long; mangrove shoreline habitat serves as nursery area for young; rare on Florida's west coast; prefers only slightly brackish or fresh water.

State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:

 

Tarpon Snook


Tarpon Snook: Centropomus pectinatus
Appearance:
only snook with 7 anal fin rays (others have 6); lower jaw curves upward; compressed body; prominent black lateral line extends through tail; tips of pelvic fin reach beyond anus.

Habitat:
INSHORE in south Florida; frequently in fresh water.

Behavior:
maximum size of 16 to 18 inches; feeds on small fish and larger crustaceans; young are nurtured along mangrove shorelines; rare on Florida's west coast.

State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information:

 

Atlantic Spadefish


Atlantic Spadefish: Chaetodipterus faber
Appearance:

• A silvery fish with 4 to 6 black vertical bands on each side which sometimes become obscure in larger fish
• Deep, flattened body
• Separated first and second dorsal fins
• Concave caudal fin
• Anterior rays of second dorsal fin and anal fin are elongated
  
  

Habitat:


Inshore and nearshore speices, these fish are found around natural and artificial reefs; especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20 feet of water.





Behavior:


Atlantic spadefish spawn in the spring and summer and travels in large schools. Small juveniles are almost totally black and are known to drift on their sides and mimic floating debris. These fish feed on crustaceans, small encrusting invertebrates, and may nibble on tentacles of jellyfish.



State Record:
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Though there are no close resemblances, these fish are frequently and mistakenly called angelfish.

Additional Information:

 

Gulf Sturgeon


Gulf Sturgeon: Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi
Appearance:


What is there to appreciate about a big fish? Plenty, say scientists who study the Gulf sturgeon. The Gulf sturgeon grows to greater than six feet in length, sports bony plates on its head and body, has fleshy "whiskers" on its long snout, and no internal skeleton. This ancient fish evolved from much larger ancestors that lived more than 225 million years ago. Gulf sturgeon may live for more than 40 years, not reaching sexual maturity until seven or eight years of age or later.



Habitat:


Sturgeon are anadromous, a term used to describe fish that spend a part of their lives in saltwater, yet travel upstream in freshwater rivers to spawn. Such fish return year after year to the same stream where they were hatched. For Gulf sturgeon, which are found from Florida to Louisiana, this means a move from salt to fresh water between February and April and a move downriver between September and November. They spend the winter in the Gulf of Mexico in sandy-bottom habitats six to 100 feet deep, where their diet consists of marine worms, grass shrimp, crabs and a variety of other bottom-dwelling organisms. They eat very little while in freshwater rivers.



Behavior:


Little is known about the early life stages of the Gulf sturgeon throughout its range. After the late 1800s, Gulf sturgeon populations declined dramatically, a result of the high demand for their delicious meat and valuable roe, and dam construction, dredging activity and other man-made habitat alterations. The decline prompted state and federal officials to place the sturgeon on the protected species lists in the 1980s and 1990s and to enact a harvesting and possession ban. Today, the free-flowing, spring-fed Suwannee River supports the largest and most robust population of Gulf sturgeon in the state and the wider Gulf of Mexico region. Adults spawn on scoured limestone substrates in the upper reaches of this 200-mile long river. As they swim along, sturgeon occasionally leap out of the water. Every spring and summer, lucky boaters and campers along the Suwannee River witness this spectacle. Power boaters can reduce the risk of injury to themselves and the fish by boating slower during the appropriate time of year. This also increases the chance of seeing the sturgeon and other wildlife along the way.



State Record:
N/A

Fishing Tips and Facts:


Additional Information: