This is one the smaller and slimmer of the snapper family, rarely growing larger than 18 inches long and 10 pounds. They are generally gray with darker dorsal and caudal (tail) fins, but can display wide variations of small spots, pale bars or fin tip colouring based on age and living conditions. They live in both coastal and offshore areas of coral, rocky ledges or mangroves, and have been caught in freshwater lakes, showing their tolerance for different salinity levels.