Prefers to congregate in loose groups in the open water above reef areas.  Has well-developed teeth and usually feeds at night on small fishes, crustaceans, and plankton.<P> The yellowtail snapper repeatedly snaps its jaws after it has been caught.  Divers have been injured by these fish.<P> This is an excellent game fish with tenacious fighting ability and tasty flesh.<P> Range is Bermuda, New England to Brazil, and the Gulf of Mexico.