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Blue-gray snapper (Aprion virescens) — Lutjanidae

Blue-gray snapper

Aprion virescens
Family: Lutjanidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue-gray snapper (Aprion virescens) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 112 cm.

Length
112 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–180.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Highly prized

Description

The green jobfish is a large, slender snapper (Lutjanidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 112 cm and has a streamlined, blue-green to grey body built for speed. Adults live in the open water of deep lagoons, channels and seaward reefs, usually singly but sometimes in groups. They prey mainly on fishes, supplemented with shrimps, crabs, cephalopods and plankton. The species is an excellent and highly prized food fish, but large specimens can cause ciguatera poisoning. It is marketed mainly fresh, but also dried and salted.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue-gray snapper?

The Blue-gray snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blue-gray snapper live?

The Blue-gray snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blue-gray snapper get?

The Blue-gray snapper grows to a maximum of about 112 cm. On average the species is around 90 cm.

Is the Blue-gray snapper dangerous to humans?

The Blue-gray snapper is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Blue-gray snapper edible?

Yes, the Blue-gray snapper is a highly prized food fish.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Groene jobvis sourced
English name
Blue-gray snapper verified
Scientific name
Aprion virescens
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Blue-green snapper fish; Gray snapper; Green job fish; Green jobfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
112.0 verified
Average length (cm)
90.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
180.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
32.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Diepzeevissen met handlijn of trollen; gewilde sport- en consumptievis. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Lutjanidae

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