Gray Snapper, Pig fish 



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Gray Snapper 

 Lutianus griseus (Linnaeus) 



The Gray Snapper is one of several species of snappers 

 common off Florida. The young of this fish and possibly 

 of some of the other species sometimes stray into the 

 coastal waters from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. 



Pigfish 

 Orthopristis chrysopterus (Linnaeus) 



Color: Bluish with purple reflections above; sides silvery; 

 golden stripes on back. 

 Distribution: New York to Mexico. 



Size: Reaches a length of 15 inches. The maximum weight 

 recorded is 2 pounds. 



General Information: The Pigfish is not taken in large 

 numbers north of Chesapeake Bay. Spawning occurs in 

 spring. This species feeds on worms and to a lesser extent 

 on crustaceans, shellfish, insect larvae, and fish. 

 Economic Importance: A good food fish. It is important in 

 the southern commercial fisheries. Large numbers are taken 

 in North Carolina. 



