Red Snapper vs. Lane Snapper
What are the different characteristics of Red and Lane Snapper?
Red Snapper

Lane Snapper

Coloration
– Red Snapper: Overall rosy-red color, fading slightly below, with a red eye[1][3].
– Lane Snapper: Pink or orangey-pink background with bold, bright-yellow stripes lengthwise[4][6].
Size
– Red Snapper: Generally grow to 24 inches, but can reach up to 39 inches and 50 pounds[3][5].
– Lane Snapper: Typically 10-24 inches long, with an average weight of 3-8 pounds[6].
Distinctive features
– Red Snapper: Pointed anal fin, lack of black spot on sides in individuals over 10 inches[1][7].
– Lane Snapper: Rounded anal fin, diffuse black spot below the soft portion of the dorsal fin[2][8].
Habitat
– Red Snapper: Usually found in depths between 50-300 feet, preferring deep reefs or rocky banks[1][3].
– Lane Snapper: Found in shallower inshore waters, coral reefs, and sandy areas with vegetation[6].
Feeding Habits
– Red Snapper: Less information provided in the search results.
– Lane Snapper: Nocturnal predators, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish[4][6].
Spawning
– Red Snapper: Spawn over 20 times a year between late May and early October, peaking in June – August[1].
– Lane Snapper: Spawning season from March through September[6].
Citations:
[1] https://www.seagrantfish.lsu.edu/biological/snapper/redsnapper.htm
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_snapper
[3] https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/lutjanus-campechanus/
[4] https://www.louisianasportsman.com/fishing/offshore-fishing/lane-snappers-are-candy/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_red_snapper
[6] https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/lane-snapper
[7] https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/images/fish/rsnapper.jpg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiwz_HUyviKAxXqMNAFHU_DGm8Q_B16BAgNEAI
[8] https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/lutjanus-synagris/
