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Yellowtail snapper

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Yellowtail Snapper
Scientific classification
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O. chrysurus
Binomial name
Ocyurus chrysurus
(Bloch, 1791)
Underwater photo of a Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)

The yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, is an abundant species of snapper found along the North American coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Although they have been found as far north as Massachusetts, their normal range is along Florida down through the West Indies and Brazil.

In certain reefs, most notably in the Florida Keys, this beautifully colored fish is commonly spotted among divers and snorkelers. The yellow tailed snapper is also a popular and abundant game fish that makes excellent table fare. Yellowtail feed on shrimp, crabs, worms and smaller fish. They spawn in groups off the edge of reefs from spring to fall, but heavily in midsummer.