Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Yellowtail Snapper

YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER - Ocyurus chrysurus Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS

Description: back and upper sides olive to bluish with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes; prominent mid lateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal fin yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spots.
Where found: juveniles INSHORE on grassbeds and back reefs; adults NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs.
Size: common to 3 pounds.
Remarks: found mainly in tropical waters; spawns in mid summer; rarely exceeds 30 inches and 5 pounds in size; feeds on small fish and invertebrates.