Side by Side

Mangrove Snapper Lutjanus griseus

Typical: 12–18 in, 1–4 lb

Quickest tell: Gray (mangrove) snapper lacks the mutton's blue facial lines and high side spot and lacks the yellowtail's bright yellow lateral stripe and yellow tail; look for the dark eye-bar and a plain gray body with no markings.

• Gray to reddish-brown body, often a coppery sheen
• Dark band through the eye, more obvious when feeding/excited
• Two enlarged canine teeth in the upper jaw
• Reddish-orange tinge to the fins; no spot on the body
• Single continuous dorsal, slightly forked tail

Full Mangrove Snapper guide — season, gear and rules →

Yellowtail Snapper Ocyurus chrysurus

Typical: 12–18 in, 1–3 lb

Quickest tell: The unbroken bright-yellow stripe running into a fully yellow deeply forked tail is unmistakable and separates it instantly from gray (mangrove) snapper.

• Bright yellow midbody stripe widening into the tail
• Bluish back with yellow spots above the stripe
• Slender, streamlined body (less deep than other snappers)
• Deeply forked, all-yellow tail
• Pinkish-white belly, small mouth

Full Yellowtail Snapper guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Mangrove Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper Overlap

Both run in South Florida & the Keys — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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