The northern red snappers body is very similar in shape to other snappers, such as the mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper, and dog snapper. All feature a sloped profile, medium-to-large scales, a spiny dorsal fin, and a laterally compressed body. Northern red snapper have short, sharp, needle-like teeth, but they lack the prominent upper canine teeth found on the mutton, dog, and mangrove snappers. This snapper reaches maturity at a length of about *9 cm (*5 in). The common adult length is *0 cm (*4 in), but may reach **0 cm (*9 in). The maximum published weight is *8.5 kg and the oldest reported age is **0+ years