Snapper Pagrus auratus
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Distribution - Common in coastal and offshore waters from the Capricorn Group in north Queensland around the coast of southern Australia to Coral Bay in Western Australia (including Tasmania).
Size - Maximum of 20kg and a length of over 1m.
Characteristics - Bright blue spots on body that become less distinct with age, and a background colour of pinkish silver to red. Large fish may have a large bony hump on the head and a fleshy bulge on the snout. Snapper are a popular angling species and are regarded as an excellent table fish. Common names include: cockney bream, reddies and squire, which are the names of juvenile snapper during different stages of their lifecycle.
Confusing species - None.