Snapper is a kind of fish which is under the Lutjanidae family. This type mainly inhabits marine and other water-forms, such as estuaries and rivers. They stay in fresh water to feed on crustaceans such as small fish and crabs. They also eat planktons or drifting sea animals and plants. They grow up for about 1 meter but their length can exceed up to 15 to 16 meters depending on its kind. Some can be put into aquarium however they are such a fast-growing fish for they can easily grow longer so they will not be able to be kept in aquarium for a long period of time.
There are about hundred species of this kind, and one of which is the mahogany snapper.
Mahogany snapper is a species under the Perciformes order and Lutjanidae family. The scientific name for this snapper is Lutjanus mahogoni. This is commonly known as spot snapper and lantern jaw. Among the distinctive features of this snapper is their pointed snout with large eyes. Their color may vary according to its kind. Mostly, mahogany snappers’ back are gray and dark olive and silvery on its lower part.
Mahogany snappers are usually inhabitants of the seawaters in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. They are also searching for their food in the northern areas of the Caribbean. They can live or stay short distances from the shore or can also prefer the offshore. Their habitats are those which are shallow and warm waters usually clear and over the coral reefs. They find their shelters in some safe places like caves and under rocks or in coral reefs.
When it comes to reproduction, they produce their eggs within their habitat. Reproduction happens in the months of May, June, and July. In a day, their eggs will easily hatch. However, when the eggs hatched, it will be carried away by the ocean currents. These eggs, after fertilization and hatching will now become larvae. Those larvae will feed on planktons as they cannot eat crustaceans which are bigger than them. They will find a suitable or a protective shelter where they will keep themselves away from predators. While they are still waiting for themselves to grow and become big fishes, they hide from their shelters. Most of the predators that hunt these small snappers are sharks, other snapper species and large fishes.
Mahogany snappers are considered as a food fish. In other words, they are edible or can be eaten. In fact there are several recipes on how to make a snapper fish become a delectable menu. And besides snappers has a high value in the market that is why they are favorite to catch by the fishermen. Just like other snapper fish, mahogany is difficult to catch as they swarm in deep waters. But just like other snapper species they can be easily catch through bottom baits as well as large anglers. They can be also lured into artificial baits which are commonly used by professional fishermen.
