Kingdom Animalia Superorder Acanthopterygii Family Lutjanidae Genus Lutjanus Order Perciformes | Infraclass Teleostei Suborder Percoidei Phylum Chordata Rank Species Subclass Neopterygii | |
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Similar Lutjanus, Humpback red snapper, Lutjanus fulvus, Lutjanus bohar, Lutjanus quinquelineatus | ||
lutjanus monostigma one spot snapper
Lutjanus monostigma, the One-spot snapper, is a species of snappers belonging to the family Lutjanidae.
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Description
Lutjanus monostigma can reach a maximum length of 60 centimetres (24 in) in males, with a common length of 50 centimetres (20 in). The dorsal profile of head is gently to moderately sloped and adults are silvery white with yellow fins. These dark eyed fishes have 10 dorsal spines, 3 anal spines and very large canine teeth. They show a small black side spot (hence the common name) just below the dorsal fin. This spot usually disappers with age. Flesh may cause ciguatera poisoning.
Biology
These snappers are nocturnal and usually solitary or occur in small groups. They feed mainly on fishes and crustaceans, especially crabs.
Distribution
This species is widespread in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Marquesas Islands, Line Islands, the Ryukyu Islands and Australia.
Habitat
Adults live in coral reef areas, usually close to caves and coral formations, at depths between 1 and 60 meters.
