Lane Snapper

{
  "id": "d65658b3-3653-46cd-8bea-bca9389f92c9",
  "commonName": "Lane Snapper",
  "scientificName": "Lutjanus synagris",
  "slug": "lane-snapper",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [],
  "description": "With its sleek, spindle-shaped body and distinctly forked tail, the Lane Snapper is a handsome, medium-sized reef dweller. Typically ranging from 8 to 14 inches and weighing up to three pounds, it is marked by a series of eight or nine golden horizontal stripes running down its sides, set against a vibrant pink to reddish background. The most unmistakable identifier is a prominent, thumb-smear-sized black spot on its upper flank, just below the soft dorsal fin. In hand, you'll notice the sharply pointed snout and a patch of coarse vomerine teeth on the roof of its mouth, perfect for its crustacean-heavy diet.\n\nFrom the sun-drenched reefs of the Carolinas down through the entire Gulf of Mexico and across the Caribbean to Brazil, the Lane Snapper is a reliable inhabitant of shallow, structured waters. Anglers find them over hard-bottom areas, coral reefs, and especially around inshore ledges, artificial reefs, and shrimp boat discharges, often in schools mixed with other snapper species. While caught throughout their range, they are a quintessential target in the Florida Keys and along Mexico’s Yucatán coast, where they provide consistent action in 30 to 120 feet of water.\n\nWhile not the heavyweight brawler of the snapper clan, the Lane Snapper is targeted for its scrappy fight on light tackle, its reliability, and its superb table fare. On appropriate gear, they punch above their weight, making quick, darting runs for the bottom structure. For families, light-tackle enthusiasts, and those seeking a delightful fish fry, they are a perfect blend of sport and sustenance. Their firm, sweet, white flesh is considered by many to be among the finest of all snappers, making the pursuit as rewarding at the dinner table as it is on the water.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/lane-snapper/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) watercolor",
    "caption": "With its sleek, spindle-shaped body and distinctly forked tail, the Lane Snapper is a handsome, medium-sized reef dweller.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "2303cead-ab8c-4d4f-b972-416984f3f3fb",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The Lane Snapper is a schooling reef fish, cruising shallow, structured waters in search of crustaceans and small fish. It is a reliable and active inhabitant of hard-bottom areas, often mixing with other snapper species, providing consistent action for anglers.",
      "appearance": "Sleek, spindle-shaped body with a distinctly forked tail. Vibrant pink to reddish background color with eight or nine distinct golden horizontal stripes running laterally down the sides. A single prominent, thumb-smear-sized black spot sits on the upper flank just below the soft dorsal fin. The snout is sharply pointed. Size typically ranges from 8 to 14 inches and up to three pounds.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Shallow, structured waters over hard-bottom areas, coral reefs, inshore ledges, artificial reefs, and around shrimp boat discharges. Found from 30 to 120 feet of water throughout its range from the Carolinas through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and to Brazil.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the primary phase anglers encounter. It provides a scrappy fight on light tackle and is highly prized for its superb, sweet, white flesh.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:31:38.038Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Lane Snapper: a pink reef fish with gold stripes and a black spot. Known for its scrappy fight on light tackle and excellent table fare.",
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  "ogDescription": "The Lane Snapper is a colorful reef dweller found from the Carolinas to Brazil. Learn about its distinctive markings, where to find it, and why anglers prize it for sport and food.",
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