Blue and Gold Snapper

Description:

Body oblong; front and rear nostrils simple holes; mouth relatively large and protractile; teeth conical to caniniform, those at front of jaws generally enlarged and fang-like; tooth patch at central roof of mouth V-shaped; sides of roof of mouth with 1 tooth patch; 16-17 gill rakers; preopercle serrated, lower margin notched; dorsal rays X, 14-15; dorsal continuous; anal rays III, 8; soft dorsal and anal with rounded ends; tail with straight edge; bases of soft dorsal and anal fins scaly; scale rows on upper back rising obliquely above lateral line.

Habitat:

Occurs in coastal waters, frequently around rocky and coral reefs (Ref. 9313). Occasionally in large schools (Ref. 9313). Also caught with nets and marketed fresh.