How to Identify a Snapper Fish
- 1). Examine the dorsal fin of the fish. A snapper will have a continuous dorsal fin or one that is slightly notched, with about 10 to12 spines and 10 to 17 soft rays following the spines.
- 2). Look at the mouth parts of the fish. The mouth of a snapper fish is partially covered by bone when it is closed. Other fish that resemble snappers do not have this feature.
- 3). Observe the color of the fish. Many snappers have red or pink bodies. One exception is the yellowtail snapper, which has a yellowish-green body above with a white belly.
- 4). Examine the eyes. A red snapper has a red iris, while a silk snapper has a yellow iris. A big-eye snapper has large dark eyes.
- 5). Check the body for any blotching patterns or spots. Young red snappers have a dark blotch on each side. Blackfin snappers have a prominent black blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. Yellowfin snappers have yellow spots on the upper surface.
Source...