Vulnerable· population decreasing· assessed 2016

Cubera snapper

Lutjanus cyanopterus

Sighting evidence at Dog Island, Anguilla

The largest of the Atlantic snappers, cubera can exceed 1.2 metres and 55 kilograms, making them one of the top predators on Caribbean reefs. Their massive, plate-like teeth allow them to prey on large crustaceans and even juvenile reef fish — a generalist predator strategy that makes them resilient to prey-base shifts. Dense aggregations of cubera snapper are rarely seen where spearfishing pressure exists, making Dog Island's population a significant indicator of the site's ecological health. Vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and predictable aggregating behaviour during spawning.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Cubera snapper is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Cubera snapper

Evidence at this site

Also seen at other sites