This common species, Lutjanus kasmira, can be distinguished from L. bengalensis and other bluestriped yellow snappers by fin, gill raker, and stripe counts, as well as the fact that only L. kasmira has dusky upper pectoral rays.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 25 cm; max. 35 cm
color
Yellow above, abruptly pale below, with 4 blue stripes. Fins yellow, but upper edge of pectoral rays dark. Dark dorsal spot sometimes present.
This species inhabits coral reefs, ranging from shallow lagoons to depths of 60 m or more on outer reef slopes. It forms large groups and feeds on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 10 spines and 14-15 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, and a pectoral fin with 15-16 rays. Its body is moderately deep, measuring 2.4-2.8 in standard length, and its dorsal profile of the head is steeply sloped. It also has 5-6 scale rows on its cheek, which are horizontal below the lateral line but rise obliquely above it. Lastly, its caudal fin is slightly emarginate.