Marine Life

Black and white snapper

Foniyamas

Macolor niger

Juveniles of the two species of Macolor, Macolor niger and Macolor macularis, are sometimes used in the aquarium fish trade and can be distinguished by their colour pattern (M. niger has a white band behind the eye) and pelvic fin length (very long in M. macularis).

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 35 cm; max. 60 cm
color: Adults grey, in life with dusky yellow mottling on face. Juveniles black and white, without a black horizontal band from eye to operculum edge.
order: Perciformes
family: Lutjanidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/macolor-niger.png
habitat and biology: This species is typically found inhabiting coral reefs, and is usually seen alone, though sometimes in large groups. It can be found at depths ranging from 5 to 90 meters, and its diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans.
distinctive characters: This species has a dorsal fin with 10 spines and 13-14 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 11 rays, and a pectoral fin with 17-18 rays. Its body is relatively deep, measuring 2.3-2.9 inches in standard length, and it has 60-70 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch. Juveniles of this species have very long pectoral fins, and its caudal fin is truncate or slightly emarginate.