Lutjanus peru (Nichols & Murphy, 1922)
Pacific red snapper
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  95 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 5,810.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 40 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Mexico to Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Preorbital bone very broad in adults. Large specimens develop a groove from front of eye to nostrils, and on upper part of preopercle behind the eye. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Color mainly red to pink with a silvery hue; the fins reddish.
Biology:  Adults are found over hard bottoms in inshore reef areas up to a depth of at least 80 m (Ref. 9313). Carnivorous, feed on big invertebrates and fish (Ref. 9313). They are marketed fresh or frozen because of excellent quality of flesh (Ref. 9313).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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