LUTJANIDAE


Lutjanus fulviflamma, 4.6 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Lutjanus fulviflamma
(Forsskål, 1775)
Blackspot Snapper

D X, 12-14; A III, 8; P1 16-17; LLp 46-49; GR 6-7 + 9-12.

Body moderately deep to somewhat slender. Preopercular notch and knob poorly developed. Caudal fin truncate or slightly emarginate. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Color: back and upper sides brown; lower sides whitish or light brown; whitish to yellow on belly; 6 or 7 yellow stripes on sides; a prominent black spot at level of lateral line below base of anterior part of soft portion of dorsal fin; fins yellowish. Size: maximum length about 35 cm. Distribution: widespread in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Samoa. Remarks: occurring in coral reefs. Juveniles sometimes found in brackish water or mangrove estuaries. Feeds mainly on fishes, shrimps, crabs, and other crustaceans. Frequently seen in markets, usually fresh. Caught mainly with hook and line. (Yukio Iwatsuki)