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Checkered seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) — Lutjanidae

Checkered seaperch

Lutjanus decussatus
Family: Lutjanidae
LC · Least Concern

The Checkered seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Pacific; inshore and offshore coral reefs.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The checkered snapper is a snapper of the family Lutjanidae from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a pale body with a pattern of brown-red longitudinal and transverse stripes forming a checkered or chequered pattern, and a dark spot on the tail base. Adults inhabit both inshore and offshore coral reefs. As a predator it hunts small fishes and crustaceans, especially at dusk. The checkered snapper is a locally valued food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Checkered seaperch?

The Checkered seaperch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Chequered or diamond-shaped striped pattern with a dark blotch at the tail base; crepuscular reef predator.

Where does the Checkered seaperch live?

The Checkered seaperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; inshore and offshore coral reefs.

How big does the Checkered seaperch get?

The Checkered seaperch grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Checkered seaperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Checkered seaperch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Checkered seaperch edible?

Yes, the Checkered seaperch is commonly eaten.

More photos

Checkered seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) — Lutjanidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Checkered seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) — Lutjanidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Checkered seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) — Lutjanidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Checkered seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) — Lutjanidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Albert Kang, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Checkered seaperch verified
Scientific name
Lutjanus decussatus
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Checkered seaperch; Checkered snapper; Chequered snapper; Crossbanded snapper; Cross-banded snapper; Snapper verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35 verified
Average length (cm)
25 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White
Pattern
Horizontal stripes
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
50 verified
Natural range
Western Pacific; inshore and offshore coral reefs.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Chequered or diamond-shaped striped pattern with a dark blotch at the tail base; crepuscular reef predator. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lutjanus

More from the family Lutjanidae

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