Yellowtail Snapper
Ocyurus chrysurus
Least Concern
The most popular reef fish in the Florida Keys, easily identified by the vivid yellow stripe running from nose to tail. Yellowtail snapper are the bread-and-butter catch of Keys reef fishing — abundant, delicious, and fun to catch. Their light, sweet flesh is a staple of Keys cuisine.
Behavior
Feeds in the water column above reefs rather than on the bottom like most snappers. Responds well to chumming — anchor over a reef, start a chum slick, and the yellowtails rise from the reef. Most active at dawn and dusk. Schools over reef structure.
⚠️ Safety
Small sharp teeth and spiny dorsal fin. Use caution when handling. Standard reef fish handling — watch for spines.
Fun Facts
- The most commonly caught snapper in the Florida Keys
- Feeds up in the water column — unusual for a snapper species
- Night fishing with chum produces the largest specimens
- Yellowtail is the signature fish of Keys restaurant menus
Where to See
Florida Keys
coastal120-mile chain of tropical islands. World-class snorkeling, diving, and saltwater fishing. The only ...
Biscayne National Park
coastal95% underwater park protecting coral reefs, mangrove shoreline, and the northern Florida Keys. Incre...
Dry Tortugas National Park
coastalRemote island fortress 70 miles west of Key West. Pristine snorkeling and diving among coral reefs a...
John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP
coastalAmerica's first undersea park. 70 nautical square miles of coral reef. Home to the Christ of the Aby...
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Yellowtail Snapper from similar species.
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