Marine Life

Mangrove red snapper

Odidhoshumas

Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Lutjanus argentimaculatus is not a particularly common species in the Maldives, but individuals can sometimes be caught with handlines at night. It can easily be confused with L. bohar, however, this species has all scale rows above the lateral line distinctly oblique.

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 80 cm; max. 1.2 m
color: Greenish brown to reddish. Belly whiter. Some individuals with 1 or 2 blue lines under eye. Juveniles with faint banding on sides.
order: Perciformes
family: Lutjanidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/lutjanus-argentimaculatus.png
habitat and biology: Young specimens of this species can be found in large lagoons and around mangrove areas, with a brown colouration. Adults, however, inhabit deeper reef areas down to depths of 100 m and have a red colouration. They feed on fishes and crustaceans.
distinctive characters: This species has a dorsal fin with 10 spines and 13-15 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8-9 rays, and a pectoral fin with 16-17 rays. Its body is deep, with a body depth of 2.5-3.1 in standard length, and its dorsal scale rows are horizontal, sometimes rising obliquely posteriorly, and rarely rising obliquely over its entire length. Additionally, it has a crescent-shaped tooth patch on the roof of its mouth.