A popular table fish, the Snapper is actually a member of the same family as the temperate breams (Sparidae). It is large, growing to more than a metre in length and can weigh around 20 kg. Juveniles of this species are silvery, with electric blue spots on the upper body, but developing a coppery pink tinge as the fish grows, while the spots fade. The snapper has large eyes and a rounded forehead which develops a prominent hump with age. This species may be confused with the Black Bream, especially when younger, but that species does not have the distinctive blue spots. Snapper can be found in great numbers during their annual spawning runs, but divers should be aware that they are often accompanied by White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) during this time.
