Black-banded snapper – – –
Characteristic features:
- Longitudinal scale rows above lateral line obliquely positioned
- Vomerine tooth patch without posterior extension
- Preopercular notch poorly developed
- 7 narrow brown-black bars or saddles on upper half of body
Colour:
Pink grading to white below, snout and forehead grey. 7 brown-black narrow bars or saddles on upper half of body extending half way down sides; a large blotch in center of caudal peduncle; paired fins pale.
Size:
Up to 35 cm TL.
Distribution:
Indo West Pacific in tropical waters.
Habitat:
Coral reefs, from 10 to at least 36 m depth.
Biology:
Feeding preferences unknown. Occurs singly or in small groups. In waters off Papua New Guinea, size were 50% of individuals become mature was estimated at 21.0 and 18.0 cm TL for females and males, respectively.1 Estimated maximum age is unknown.
Fisheries:
Caught mainly with handlines and traps.
Similar species:
A distinct species due to its unique barred colouration. Not likely to be confused with other Lutjanus species.
External links:
FishBase
The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM
References:
- 1.Longenecker K, Langston R, Bolick H, Kondio U, Mulrooney M. Six-year baseline information: size structure and reproduction of exploited reef fishes before establishing a management plan at Kamiali Wildlife Management Area, Papua New Guinea [Internet]. Bishop Museum Technical Report; 2014. Available from: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.1139.6089