Genus: Apsilus, Black Snapper, Snappers

APSILUS

SNAPPERS

Body an elongate oval; convex between eyes; top jaw moderately protrusible, slips under cheek bone for most of its length when mouth is closed; jaws with distinct canines; jaw teeth in an inner band of simple teeth and an outer row of conical teeth; teeth on front and sides of roof of mouth numerous, small and slender; no enlarged pores on chin; preoperculum serrated; dorsal fin continuous, not notched between spiny and soft parts, X, 10, occasionally 9; anal fin III, 8; last ray of dorsal and anal fins a little shorter than preceding ray; pectorals long, about 2/3 head length, 15-17 rays; scales medium-sized to small; body, cheek and operculum scaly; snout, below eye, lower jaw & rear of top jawbone scale-less; dorsal and anal fins scaleless.

An Atlantic genus with 2 species; 1 endemic species in the Greater Caribbean.