Two-spot Red Snapper

Description

The two-spot red snapper can reach a length of 90 cm (35 in), though most do not exceed 76 cm (30 in). The greatest recorded weight for this species is 12.5 kg (28 lb). These large reddish tropical snappers show darker fins, a rounded profile of head and a groove running from the nostrils to the eyes. They have 10 dorsal spines and 3 anal spines. Juveniles and some adults have two silvery-white spots (hence the common name) on the back close to their dorsal fins, while larger adults lose the spots and become mostly red. Large adults may cause ciguatera poisoning.

This species is a commercially important species and is also sought-after as a game fish.

Biology

It is a long-lived and slow-growing species which reaches maturity at 8-9 years, and the oldest recorded individual is 56. These fishes are carnivorous, mostly feeding on other fishes, crustaceans and molluscs.

Adult snappers often form large schools on the outer reefs or above sandy areas, mainly to form spawning aggregations. Small brownish juveniles mimic damselfishes of the genus Chromis in order to approach their preys.

Distribution

This species is native to the Indian Ocean. It is widespreas in the Indo-Pacific from the east African coast to the western Pacific Ocean, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Australia.

Habitat

It is a coral reef inhabitant, being found at depths from 4 to 180 m (13 to 591 ft), though usually between 10 and 70 m (33 and 230 ft).