The Schoolmaster Snapper (*Lutjanus apodus*) is a vibrant, yellow-striped reef fish native to the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly abundant in the Caribbean Sea and along the coasts of Florida, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its schooling behavior and preference for shallow coral reefs and mangroves, the Schoolmaster Snapper is a prized catch for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top countries involved in harvesting this species include the United States (notably Florida), Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations such as Jamaica and Puerto Rico. While not as heavily targeted as some larger snapper species, Schoolmaster Snapper contributes to local economies through small-scale commercial fisheries and is a popular target for sport fishing due to its fighting ability and culinary value. Sustainable management is essential in these regions to ensure healthy populations, as the species is susceptible to overfishing and habitat degradation.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.