Snapper are members of the Sparidae family (seabreams, snappers).

Geographical location
They are most common around the North Island and upper South Island, especially in Tasman Bay. The species is one of the largest and most valuable coastal fisheries.
Snapper extend over a wide variety of habitats, including reefs as well as sand and mud bottoms. Juveniles range over large areas in water five to 50 metres deep. Adults are uncommon at depths of more than 100 metres.

They group-spawn several times in spring and summer. The young live inshore in summer, in shallow, sheltered habitats, but move offshore in winter. This movement continues throughout their life.
Snapper are slow-growing, long-lived (up to 60 years), and migratory.

Physical attributes
Golden-pink to tones of red above, flecked with blue spots, with the colour paling to white on the belly. Snapper found in muddy harbours tend to be pale pink. Snapper found near reefs and weed tend to be a red bronze. Snapper have a large head, strong teeth, and moderately firm scales.
Snapper are caught all year, but mainly from October to March/April, off both the east and west coasts of the North Island.
With a daily limit of 7 and a minimum length of 30cms.