Species profile
Lane Snapper
Lutjanus synagris
At a glance
Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) is an IUCN Near Threatened bony-fish species regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 10 (Louisiana); the most generous is 100 (Florida).
Across 5 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 8.4 in.
Confirmed by 1,023 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, Texas, and Alabama the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Lane snappers display vivid yellow horizontal stripes and a bold black spot on the lateral line.
- They can live up to 19 years, a surprisingly long lifespan for such a small fish.
- Typically 8 to 14 inches long, they are among the most abundant snappers in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Lane snappers form large schools on reef and sandy-bottom habitats throughout the Caribbean Sea.
- Their mild, flaky white flesh makes them popular table fare for coastal anglers across the region.
Where Lane Snapper are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Lane Snapper
Background
The lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris) is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, though it prefers coral reefs and sandy areas with plentiful vegetation. It occurs at depths from 10 to 400 m (33 to 1,312 ft), most frequently between 21 and 70 m…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Lane Snapper article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.