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Species: Ocyurus chrysurus
Common Names: Yellowtail Snapper
Range: Where found: juveniles INSHORE on grassbeds and back reefs; adults NEARSHORE or OFFSHORE over sandy areas near reefs.

Description: back and upper sides olive to bluish with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes; prominent midlateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins; caudal fin yellow and deeply forked; no dark lateral spot.

Similar Fish: none.

Found in Dry Tortugas: All Areas [I've seen them while diving as far north as the old "north of 12" buoy off of Ft. Pierce]

Size: common to 3 pounds.

Florida Record: 7 lbs., 5 ozs