Marine Life

Midnight snapper

Kalhu foniyamas

Macolor macularis

Both Macolor macularis and the closely related M. niger have distinctly patterned black and white juveniles, which can be easily distinguished from the adults not only by the details of the colour pattern, but also by the presence of extremely long pelvic fins in juveniles of M. macularis.

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 40 cm; max. 60 cm
color: Dull grey. Juveniles black and white, with a broad black horizontal band from eye to rear edge of opercle.
order: Perciformes
family: Lutjanidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/macolor-macularis.png
habitat and biology: This species inhabits coral reefs and is usually observed alone. It can be found at depths ranging from 5 to 50 meters and primarily feeds on fish and crustaceans.
distinctive characters: This species has a dorsal fin with 10 spines and 13 rays, the last of which is divided at the base. It also has an anal fin with 3 spines and 10 rays, the last of which is divided at the base, and a pectoral fin with 17 or 18 rays. Its body is relatively deep, and juveniles have very long pelvic fins. Additionally, it has 70 to 80 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first arch, and its caudal fins are emarginate.