Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869)
Spotted rose snapper
Lutjanus guttatus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  105 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,310.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Mexico to Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above the lateral line. Pale crimson on side, often with silvery sheen of horizontal rows of bluish spots; belly golden yellow. Head with bluish spots and irregular broken lines, especially across cheek. A large blackish blotch on the upper back below the posterior of the dorsal spines.
Biology:  Adults are found over hard bottoms in inshore reef areas. Generally solitary or in small groups but may occasionally form big schools (Ref. 9313). Juveniles inhabit estuaries and mouths of rivers (Ref. 9313). Carnivorous, feed on invertebrates and fish (Ref. 9313). Marketed fresh or frozen (Ref. 9313).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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