Description: color graysh-olive
with a reddish tinge; conspicuous dark spot, about the size of the eye,
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.
Similar Fish: lane
snapper, L. synagris (also with dark spot below soft dorsal, the
blotch placed higher in relation to the lateral line).
Where found: NEARSHORE or
OFFSHORE in clear, highly saline water, usually over reefs.
Size: relatively small
snapper, common to 15 inches.
*Florida Record: n/a
Remarks: the Spanish
name, ojanco, refers to its large eyes; a night feeder, with diet of
smaller fishes.
* The Florida records
quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's
printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are
provided as only as a benchmark.
