Lutjanus novemfasciatus Gill, 1862
Pacific dog snapper
photo by Amezcua Linares, F.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  170 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 36 kg
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: northern Mexico to northern Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Snout rounded, preopercular notch and knob moderate or weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line, rows occasionally horizontal in juveniles. Scale rows on cheek 5 or 6. Back and side dark olive brown to copper-red, becoming whitish ventrally. Young with 9 dark cross-bars; margin of spinous dorsal and most of anal fin black.
Biology:  Adults inhabit coastal rocky and coral reefs up to at least 60 m depth (Ref. 9313). Juveniles may be encountered in estuaries with mangroves and mouths of rivers (Ref. 9313). Carnivorous, feed on big invertebrates (such as crabs, prawns and shrimps) and fish (Ref. 9313). Marketed fresh or frozen (Ref. 9313).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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