Mahogany snapper (Lutjanus mahogoni) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–100 m.
Scientific name: Lutjanus mahogoni · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 48 cm
The mahogany snapper is a lutjanid whose adults inhabit clear shallow waters over rocky bottoms in the vicinity of coral reefs, less frequently in sandy or seagrass areas. They often form large aggregations during the day, and they feed at night mainly on small fish, shrimps, crabs and cephalopods. It is recorded from the surface down to 100 m. Maximum length is about 48 cm total length, commonly about 38 cm, and it can live 18 years. It is a commercial species and a gamefish, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is high at 64 of 100 and resilience low. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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