Picture Courtesy of NOAA

Gary's Seafood Specialties

"Famous By Word Of Mouth"

Hog Snapper

Lachnolaimus Maximus

 

The Hog Snapper, named because it looks like a pig’s snout, is actually not a snapper at all, but a member of the Wrasse family. Members of the Wrasse family are probably some of the “colorful, tropical” fish that you undoubtedly have seen pictures of. The color of this fish varies greatly due to many things including: age, gender, environment and habitat.

One thing that the Hog Snapper does share with other true members of the snapper family is their global range. These fish enjoy the tropical and subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They are found in greatest numbers in Florida. It is common to find them as far north as the Carolinas and Bermuda, and as far south as the northern border of South America. Hog Snapper have even been found in Nova Scotia and Brazil on rare occasions.

Hog fish like reefs, where they can camouflage themselves against the coral. They generally tolerate water depths of 10-120 feet.

They feed during the day on a diet consisting of mollusks, crabs and sea urchins. In one year, they consume about five times their own body weight.

Hog Snapper are highly prized for their meat. Many consider them the finest reef fish in the world. Due to their popularity, their numbers are decreasing. Most are caught recreationally by spear fishermen.

Little is known about their spawning habits.

 

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Gary's Source:  Florida, then Mexico

Seafood From Around The World

Canada - Central America, Mexico & The Caribbean - Europe & The Mediterranean - New Zealand, Australia & The Pacific Rim - South America - United States

 

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