Blackfin Snapper(Lutjanus buccanella)

The blackfin snapper is similar to others in the Lutjanidae family because it has the same deep body and double dorsal fin. Its caudal fin is rather truncate-shaped and it has a long pectoral fin. The anal fin is rounded. The blackfin snapper is generally red in color, silvery-red below, with yellowish caudal, anal and pelvic fins. There is a distinct dark comma-shaped mark at the base of the pectoral fins, giving this fish its common name. This snapper is often confused with the red snapper, however, the comma-shaped black mark at the base of the pectoral fins is a distinguishing characteristic of the blacken snapper. Also, the blackfin snapper has a rounded anal fin in contrast to the pointed anal fin of the red snapper.

Living over sandy and rocky bottoms near ledges, the blacken snapper occurs in waters 200 to 300 feet deep. The adults live offshore near the continental shelf. The young typically inhabit rocky outcroppings near reefs in shallow waters of 20 to 60 feet. The blackfin snapper is often observed schooling in groups of 2o to 30 individuals.