Pacific Dog Snapper: The Reef's Heavyweight

Every reef has a heavyweight, and on Costa Rica's Pacific coast it's often the Pacific dog snapper — a big, broad-shouldered fish with teeth to match its name. Here's how to spot it near Jacó, plus five fun facts.

Pacific Dog Snapper · Lutjanus novemfasciatus

How to spot the pacific dog snapper near Jacó

Look in deeper water near big rocks, caves and ledges, where dog snapper like to hang alone or in small groups. They're larger and heavier-bodied than other snappers, usually gray to coppery, and tend to keep a wary distance from swimmers.

5 fun facts about the pacific dog snapper

• Named for its fangs. The 'dog' in its name comes from a pair of noticeably large, canine-like teeth at the front of the mouth.
• One of the biggest snappers here. Pacific dog snapper can grow over three feet long and weigh well over fifty pounds, making them a real reef heavyweight.
• A solitary type. Unlike the schooling snappers, big adults often patrol their patch of reef alone.
• Mangrove kids. Juveniles start life in sheltered mangroves and river mouths before moving out to the open reef as they grow.
• Shy of people. Large dog snapper are cautious and usually keep their distance, so a close look is a lucky one.

The pacific dog snapper is just one of many characters down there. See the whole cast in our Snorkel Jaco fish directory, or read real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.