How to Identify Long-jawed Red Snapper

To identify Long-jawed Red Snapper (Lutjanus gibbus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically reddish-pink to deep red dorsally, fading to a lighter pink or silvery-red ventrally. Fins are often reddish. Juveniles may have faint horizontal stripes or blotches. The iris is usually red.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes, Prominent humped forehead in larger adults (especially males), Large eyes relative to head size, Upper jaw extends to or slightly beyond the posterior margin of the eye, Preopercular notch and knob are well-developed

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes. The upper lobe is often slightly longer than the lower.

Pectoral fin

Long, reaching to or beyond the anus, with 16-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin has 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are relatively short.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Caudal Fin

   The deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes is a key identifier, distinguishing it from many other snapper species with less deeply forked or truncate tails.

2. 2

   Coloration

   The overall reddish body color, particularly the deep red dorsal surface, is characteristic.

3. 3

   Head Profile

   Larger individuals develop a distinct hump on the forehead, giving it the 'humpback' moniker.

4. 4

   Preopercular Notch and Knob

   The presence of a well-developed preopercular notch and knob is a family characteristic, but its prominence can aid in species identification within Lutjanus.

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