may vary from pale gray to dark reddish brown. Dark shades are found among small 
juveniles in grass beds and adults from mangrove swamps or estuaries where the 
water is dark brown. Pale fish are seen in channels around Lower Matecumbe Key and 
on the reefs. A general reddish color has been reported for gray snapper from deeper 
water. The color pattern of gray snapper matches in general tone the variety of 
environments where it is found. Patterns of bars or blotches seen at night match the 
pattern of areas where they commonly feed. The ocular stripe is displayed when 
interest is fired upon another organism or when feeding and is believed to function in 
obliterating the eye. Color pattern of the other inshore snappers is believed to be 
adapted for blending with their various environments. Gray (L griseus and L. 
cyanopterus) is found in the two species which occupy a wide variety of habitats. 
Yellow (L. apodus, L. jocu and Ocyurus chrysurus ) is associated with species found in 
rocky or coral areas where yellowish coral, alcyonarians, sponges and algae are 
prominent. Pink or reddish hues figure prominently in the pattern of the three species 
(L synagris, L. analis and L. mahogoni) which wander in open areas during the day. 
Viewed in their natural habitat these pinks appear gray. Selective absorption of various 
colors, scattering and suspended material alter significantly the underwater 
appearance of a color pattern. Annulus formation on scales occurs in late fall or early 
winter after a sudden drop in water temperature. Scales of 1289 snapper were 
examined and 197 rejected due to replaced centers, and other factors. Estimates of 
growth based on monthly marginal increment of scales and limited data from tagged fish 
indicate reduced growth in water and maximum growth in August and September. Back 
calculations of growth from scale annuli resulted in the following mean SLs at annulus 
formation: Annulus I, 68 mm SL; II, 123; III, 171; IV, 219; V,252; VI, 287; VII, 324; 
VIII, 372; IX, 407. Growth rates of 11 tagged fish (256 - 324 mm) at large 72 to 367 
days averaged 46.5 mm per year. Nine hundred and twelve gray snapper were tagged 
and 57 recoveries made. Forty-eight recoveries came from 274 fish tagged at 
Alligator Light and an additional 30 tagged fish from Alligator Light were estimated to 
have been brought into local fish market within three weeks of tagging. A high tagging 
mortality is suspected for small fish. Growth rate of nine snapper released and 
recovered at Alligator Light averaged 1.7 mm per month after 21 to 367 days at large. 
Nine other fish released at Alligator Light and recovered 3.4 to 18.7 nautical miles 
away averaged 7.4 mm growth per month in 19 to 285 days at large. Reduced growth 
of fish remaining on the reef is attributed to great competition for food in the densely 
populated reef environment. Gray snapper rarely exceed eight pounds. Most records of 
greater size are believed to be based on confusion with cubera snapper. Lutjanus 
griseus is intermediate in size and most body proportions to other inshore lutjanids. 
Only lengths of the paired fins are extreme. Short pelvic fins are associated with a 
somewhat free swimming mode of life. Short pectoral fins are perhaps an adaptation to 
moving through mangrove roots, submerged brush, etc. Spination is well-developed in 
very small individuals and probably serves as a defense mechanism. Small gray 
snapper have proportionately larger heads, eyes, and mouths than do larger fish, which 
are more terete of body. These changes are believed to be associated with the early 
importance of the sense organs of the head and the feeding mechanism resulting in rapid 
development of these systems in small individuals. Increasing tereteness of body is 
paralleled by a freer swimming mode of life and increasing tendency by larger snapper 
to feed on fish. Dentition, especially canine, is best developed in L. cyanopterus, L. 
jocu, L. apodus and L. griseus in that order. All feed extensively on fishes and some 
Crustacea as adults. Lutjanus analis has relatively short heavy dentition and feeds 
largely on Crustacea and mollusks. L. mahogoni and L. synagris have reduced dentition 
similar in shape to the first group of species. These two feed on small invertebrates 
and fishes. Ocyurus chrysurus has the least developed dentition and eats largely 
plankton and small midwater fishes and Crustacea. One thousand three hundred and 
thirty-five gray snapper from 10.5 to 489 mm SL were examined for stomach 
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