Snapper
Pagrus auratus
No evidence as yet to suggest the species are resident all year round, or that there is any self recruitment within the area. The 'population' is probably a south-eastern Australian one, of which some mobile schools are now ranging further south in summer than previously recorded. Really it appears schools of snapper are now more predictably encountered in northern Tasmania in places, and extending to southern Tasmania when conditions are favourable, particularly in warmer summers. These still seem to be fairly mobile rather than resident, and recruitment of juveniles is still primarily in Victorian waters (Port Phillip Bay etc) from where they radiate out to places like northern Tasmania as they become bigger.
Although snapper are becoming more common on the recreational fishing scene it is still unclear if they are breeding in Tasmania, and even if they are staying for the winters. It is on the Redmap list to begin determining it life cycle and seasonal behaviours, in Tasmania, more closely.
Mature snapper are pink and appear to have a convex forehead in larger adults. Juveniles have blue spots over the body. Snapper have strong jaws and dorsal spines capable of breaking off in a wound.
They feed on mussels; oysters; fish sea urchins; crabs, prawns and worms.
AKA: Shnapper, Cockney Bream, Red Bream, Squire
Family: SPARIDAE known as breams
Habitat: Reef and open water
Size: These guys can get big, although growth is slow - over 1 metre and up to 20 kilograms
Image: Peter Gouldthorpe
Log it: Log the snapper only if you spot it south of Maria Island.
