Lutjanus russellii

Osteichthyes Lutjanidae Genus Lutjanus Lutjanus russellii

Russell's snapper SNU

26.0 cm TL

Characteristic features:

Colour:

Yellowish to pinkish, black spot mostly above lateral line frequently present, dorsal and caudal fins reddish, other fins yellow.

Size:

Up to 45 cm TL.

Distribution:

Indo-West Pacific in tropical waters.

Habitat:

Coral and rocky reefs, from the surface to least 100 m depth. Juveniles found in mangrove estuaries and lower reaches of freshwater streams.

Biology:

Feeds on benthic fishes and invertebrates. Maturity of Russell’s snapper is estimated at 28.1 cm FL, equivalent to 4 years of age. Mean maximum age in published literature is estimated at 17 years.¹

Indonesian fisheries:

Caught with handlines, traps, and bottom trawls.

Similar species:

Lutjanus johnii
Golden snapper

Lutjanus johnii differs in having longitudinal scale rows above lateral line mostly horizontal (vs. obliquely positioned); vomerine tooth patch without medial posterior extension (vs. with medial posterior extension); both frequently having a black spot on posterior part of back.

to Lutjanus johnii

Lutjanus lemniscatus
Darktail snapper

Lutjanus lemniscatus differs in having a vomerine tooth patch without medial posterior extension (vs. with medial posterior extension); no black spot on posterior part of back (vs. frequently having a black spot)

to Lutjanus lemniscatus

Lutjanus monostigma
Onespot snapper

Lutjanus monostigma differs in having a vomerine tooth patch without medial posterior extension (vs. with medial posterior extension); all fins yellow (vs. pelvic and anal fins yellow, caudal fin dusky) and dorsal rays 10,14, (vs. 10,13–14, rarely 14).

to Lutjanus monostigma

External links:

FishBase
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^TM

References:

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