Lutjanus notatus (Cuvier, 1828)
Bluestriped snapper
Lutjanus notatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique, Natal in South Africa, Madagascar, RĂ©union and Mauritius.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Dorsal profile of head steeply sloped. Preorbital width usually less than eye diameter. Preopercular notch and knob well developed. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Brownish dorsally, grading to yellowish-white ventrally, with a series of 6 narrow blue stripes. A blackish spot is usually present on the lateral line below the anterior portion of the soft dorsal fin rays.
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral reefs where they occur usually solitarily or in small groups of about 5 to 10 individuals. They feed on fish and crustaceans (Ref. 5213).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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