FISHES OF THE EAST ATLANTIC COASTi lUlr' 



1 find the name " mangrove snapper" in Capt. Roman's list, and it- 

 is a significant one, as this species lives in holes among the roots of that- 

 tree. Jordan places it in the same genus with L. blackfordil, the 

 red snapper, which is an ocean fish of different habits. 



Like the grouper, the mangrove snapper is stationary, seldom ven- 

 turing far from its retreat, in which it takes refuge when alarmed.- 

 It is one of the most shy and cunning fishes of this coast, and long, 

 casts from the boat are necessary to beguile it. No doubt fine tackle- 

 would be more successful than the coarse hand lines commonly used, 

 but the snapper has very sharp teetli, and silk worm gut would stand 

 no chance. It makes for its hole with a rush as soon as it feels the 

 hook, after the manner of the grouper, and is a more active fighter • 

 than that fish, though, perhaps, not stronger. Cut mullet is generally 

 used for bait. Cast as far from the boat as possible, into the a deep 

 channel near the snags; let the bait rest gently on the bottom for 

 five or ten minutes, and as soon as the bite is felt get ihe snapper* 

 away from the bank — otherwise fish and hook are gone. 



In form the mangrove snapper resembles the small-mouthed black~ 

 bass. Color, a reddish brown, with golden reflections. Hard spines- 

 in dorsal fin. Head, small, with wide mouth furnished with sharp 

 teeth. Canines very large, with which it snaps savagely when cap- 

 tured. Eye very large and bright, with golden colored iris. Scales 

 largo. The large eyes seem to indicate nocturnal habits, confirmed by 

 the fact that the snapper feeds more freely at night, and on dark 

 days. The fishermen say that when placed in a car alive with 

 other fish, the snapper will mangle and devour them. It ie not soli- 

 tary, but is often found in considerable numbers together in deep 

 holes, and is thus captured with the cast net. 



Size in Halifax River, from halt a pound to five pounds. In the 

 Indian River I have taken them of seven to eight pounds in weight, 

 and it makes a vigorous resistance when hooked, showing good sport 

 if kept away from its hole. Is of excellent quality on the table and 

 keeps well. 



JORD N AND gilbert's DESCRIPTION. W 



Z. <2«?^r?/^f;;j—(Cuv.—Val).— Mangrove Snapper. Vermillion-red above, rosy 

 belowr ; sides with cblor.g irregular yellow spots ; dorsal and pectoral fins red : 



