Lutjanus lunulatus (Park, 1797)
Lunartail snapper
Lutjanus lunulatus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  40 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: northeastern Arabian Sea to Philippines and Vanuatu.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Dorsal profile of head steeply sloped. Preorbital width about equal to eye diameter. Preopercular notch and knob poorly developed. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Brown to reddish-pink on back and upper side, reddish pink to mauve on middle side, becoming creamy yellow ventrally. Caudal fin with a broad crescentic black band (Ref. 469). Body depth 2.5-2.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral reefs. Also found in current or surge zones (Ref. 48635). Usually seen singly or in small groups.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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