Snapper are usually pinkish to brown on the upper sides and silvery below. The body is covered by small blue spots that are most obvious in small fish.

Young fish are known as Squires and old fish are called Old Man Snappers. Old fish develop a prominent hump on the top of the head. The hump develops in both sexes but is more prominent in males.

This species is one of the most popular food fishes in Australia. It grows to 1.3m in length and at least 20kg in weight.

Snapper occur in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is known from marine waters around the southern half of the country from southern Queensland to the central coast of Western Australia.

This species has been given numerous common names including, Cockney, Cockney Bream, Nobbler, Old Man, Pink Snapper, Pinkie, Pinky, Queen, Red Bream, Rugger, Schnapper, Tamure and White Snapper.