Lutjanus carponotatus (Richardson, 1842)
Spanish flag snapper
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  40 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 20 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 80 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: India to northern Australia. Sometimes referred to as Lutjanus chrysotaenia by past authors.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Snout somewhat pointed, dorsal profile of head steeply sloped. Preorbital bone about equal to eye diameter, or slightly wider. Preopercular notch and knob poorly developed. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Generally blue-gray on upper side, grading to white or yellow white ventrally with a series of eight or nine or orange or yellow stripes on the sides. The fins are yellowish; the pectoral fins have a distinct black spot at base of uppermost rays and axil. Description: Body bluish grey or white, ventral may be yellowish, horizontal stripes lateral 8-9 yellow to golden brown alternating broad and narrow; alternating black and white stripes (in juveniles) the middle being broadest; fins yellow, pectoral fin axil black and also with distinct spot black on base of uppermost rays. Snout somewhat pointed. Head dorsal profile of head sloped steeply. Preorbital bone about equal to eye diameter, or slightly wider. Preopercular notch and knob poorly developed. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. (Ref 469, 90102)
Biology:  May be found in turbid coastal waters (Ref. 90102). Adults inhabit coral reefs in both sheltered lagoons and on outer reef slopes. Often encountered in schools of up to 20 to 30 individuals. (Ref. 55)
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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