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.

The yellowtail snapper repeatedly snaps its jaws after it has been caught.  Divers have been injured by these fish.

This is an excellent game fish with tenacious fighting ability and tasty flesh.

Range is Bermuda, New England to Brazil, and the Gulf of Mexico.