Domain |
   Eukarya |
Kingdom |
   Animalia |
Phylum |
   Chordata |
Family |
   Lutjanidae |
Description |
   Snappers |
Environment |
   Fresh, Brackish & Marine |
Etymology |
   Malay, ikan lutjan, name of a fish |
Genus |
   17 |
No. of Species |
   110 |
Order |
   Perciformes |
Class |
   Actinopterygii |
Reproductive Guild |
   Nonguarders |
Distribution |
   Marine; rarely estuarine. Some species do enter freshwater for feeding. Tropical and subtropical: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Dorsal fin continuous or slightly notched. Spines in dorsal fin 10-12; soft rays 10-17. Three spines in anal fin; soft rays 7-11. Pelvic fins originating just behind pectoral base. Mouth moderate to large; terminal. Jaws bearing enlarged canine teeth. Palatine teeth small. Vomer usually with small teeth. Maxilla covered by preorbital with the mouth closed. Branchiostegal rays 7. Vertebrae 24 (10 + 14). To about 1 m maximum length. Most species are predators of crustaceans and fishes, several are planktivores. Most do well in aquaria, but grow too fast. Valued as food fish but sometimes a cause of ciguatera. Generally demersal, down to depths of about 450 m. |