SNAPPERS, a rather numerous assemblage of fishes belonging to the genus Lutjanus and related genera, usually considered as belonging to the family Sparida (q.v.), but sometimes erected into a distinct family (Lutjanida). They have the body more elongated than the typical members of the Sparida, the teeth little differentiated and never incisor-like, though some are usually enlarged and caniniform and there are always teeth on the vomer. The dor sal fin is continuous, with strong spines and the anal fin has three stout spines. The species of Lutjanus inhabit most warm seas and about 20 are found in our southern waters, some of them attaining importance as food fishes. The red snapper (Lutjanus aya) is a handsome rose-red fish, the young with a black blotch on the side. It attains a length of feet and a weight of 25 pounds, and is economically the most important of the group. Through out the West Indian region and in the southern United States it is a great favorite, and IS shipped to northern markets also in consider able numbers. The centre of the fishery is Pensacola, from which smacks visit the snapper banks in various parts of the Gulf of Mexico.
The gray or mangrove snapper (L. griseus) is another abundant and widely distributed species throughout the same region and sometimes strays northward as far as Cape Cod. It is of a dark green color above and reddish below and is further distinguished from the red snapper by the much lower ventral fin. Being smaller than the latter it is of less commercial importance, but because of its greater abun dance in shallow waters is an even greater favorite with amateur anglers. A third species is the mutton fish (L. analis). This is a beauti ful fish in life, being olive green above, with red fins and pale blue spots and streaks on the head and sides. It equals the red snapper in size and, like the other species, frequents rocky banks and spawns in summer. It is said to be the most important food fish in Havana. All of the snappers are gamy and are caught chiefly on hand lines, but in Jamaica and other West Indian islands in cane fish-pots constructed on the principle of lobster-pots. Consult Jordan and Evermann, (American Game and Food Fishes> (New York 1902); Jordan, D. S., (New York 1908).