Paracaesio caerulea (Katayama, 1934)
Japanese snapper
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Apsilinae
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 100 - 355 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: known only from southern Japan. More recently reported from Taiwan (Ref. 5193) and the Chesterfield Islands (Ref. 11897).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Eye large. Snout short, about equal to, or shorter than eye diameter. Interorbital space convex. Pectoral fins long reaching level of anus. Scale rows on back parallel to lateral line. Back and sides blue becoming whitish or silvery ventrally; the dorsal and caudal fins pale yellow; the other fins whitish or translucent.
Biology:  Adults occur over rocky bottoms at depths exceeding 100 m. An important foodfish. Marketed fresh.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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