How to Identify African Red Snapper

To identify African Red Snapper (Lutjanus agennes), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically reddish to reddish-brown dorsally, fading to pinkish or silvery-white ventrally. Fins are often reddish. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust body with a relatively deep profile., Large mouth with prominent canine teeth., Preorbital bone width is typically less than the eye diameter., Absence of a distinct black spot on the upper flank below the dorsal fin (a common feature in some other Lutjanus species).

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 13-14 soft rays. The spinous and soft-rayed portions are continuous.

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate to truncate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long pectoral fins, typically reaching to or beyond the anus.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are relatively short.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the characteristic reddish to reddish-brown dorsal coloration fading to pinkish-white ventrally. Fins are often reddish.

2. 2

   Absence of Spot

   Unlike some other snappers, Lutjanus agennes typically lacks a prominent black spot below the dorsal fin.

3. 3

   Preorbital Width

   The width of the preorbital bone (area between the eye and the mouth) is generally narrower than the eye diameter.

4. 4

   Fin Ray Count

   Count the dorsal fin rays (10 spines, 13-14 soft rays) and anal fin rays (3 spines, 8 soft rays) for definitive identification.

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