Lutjanus rivulatus

Osteichthyes Lutjanidae Genus Lutjanus Lutjanus rivulatus
Speckled snapper LUV
19.8 cm TL
Characteristic features:
Colour:

Brown with reddish tinge; scales on side brownish with small bluish spots centrally; head with numerous undulating blue-lines; tan lips. A black spot at axil of pectoral fins, within a dark band from dorsal-fin origin to pectoral-fin base; caudal fin with yellow margin; other fins yellowish to dusky grey-brown. Juveniles with 3–8 brown bars on side and white spot with a blackish margin sometimes present below anterior soft dorsal rays at level of lateral line.

Size:

Up to 80 cm TL.

Distribution:

Indo-West and Central Pacific in tropical waters.

Habitat:

Adults often found on deep coastal slopes and coral reefs and juveniles on shallow algae reef flats. From the surface to at least 100 m depth.

Biology:

Feeds primarily on fishes, but also cephalopods and benthic crustaceans. Speckled snapper are usually solitary or forming small groups of 10–15 individuals. This is a slow growing species,1 which reaches maturity at 40.2 cm TL equivalent to 3 years.2 Estimated maximum age is 14 years.2

Indonesian fisheries:

Caught with handlines, traps, and gill nets, occasionally trawled.

Similar species:

A distinct species due to its unique colouration. Not likely to be confused with other Lutjanus species.

Internal links:


Lutjanus rivulatus gallery

External links:

FishBase
The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM

References:
  1. Mann B, Lee B, Cowley P. Growth rate of speckled snapper Lutjanus rivulatus (Teleostei: Lutjanidae) based on tag-recapture data from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. African journal of marine science [Internet]. 2016;38(1):111–8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2016.1162195
  2. Martinez-Andrade F. A comparison of life histories and ecological aspects among snappers (Pisces: Lutjanidae) [Internet]. 2003. Available from: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3270&context=gradschool_dissertations