How to Identify Two-spot Red Snapper

To identify Two-spot Red Snapper (Lutjanus bohar), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically dark red to reddish-brown dorsally, fading to a lighter reddish-pink or silvery-red ventrally. Fins are often reddish. Juveniles are lighter, often pinkish-red, with two prominent white spots on the upper back below the dorsal fin, which fade with age. Some individuals may exhibit faint vertical bars. The iris is typically red.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust, deep body., Large mouth with prominent canine teeth, especially in the upper jaw., Preorbital bone is broad and smooth, without a deep groove or ridge., Preopercular notch and knob are well-developed., Two white spots on the upper back of juveniles (often absent in adults)., Red iris.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long pectoral fins, typically reaching the anus, with 16-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

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

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the overall reddish-brown to dark red body color. Juveniles are identifiable by two distinct white spots on their upper flanks, which are usually absent in larger adults.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Mouth

   Note the robust, deep body and the large mouth with prominent canine teeth, particularly in the upper jaw.

3. 3

   Fin Count

   Count the dorsal fin spines (10) and soft rays (13-14), and anal fin spines (3) and soft rays (8). Pectoral fins are long, reaching the anus.

4. 4

   Preorbital Bone

   Observe the preorbital bone (area between the eye and the mouth); it is broad and smooth, lacking a deep groove or ridge, which helps distinguish it from some other snapper species.

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