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Sailfin snapper (Symphorichthys spilurus) — Lutjanidae

Sailfin snapper

Symphorichthys spilurus
Family: Lutjanidae

The Sailfin snapper (Symphorichthys spilurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The sailfin snapper is a snapper (Lutjanidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a deep, yellow body with numerous blue longitudinal lines, a black spot before the tail and, in adults, strongly extended dorsal- and anal-fin tips. As a bottom-oriented predator it searches sand and reef bottoms for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sailfin snapper?

The Sailfin snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Sailfin snapper live?

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

How big does the Sailfin snapper get?

The Sailfin snapper grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Sailfin snapper dangerous to humans?

No, the Sailfin snapper is harmless to humans.

Is the Sailfin snapper edible?

Yes, the Sailfin snapper is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwlijn-snapper sourced
English name
Sailfin snapper sourced
Scientific name
Symphorichthys spilurus
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Bluelined sea bream; Blue-lined sea bream; Blue-lined sea-bream verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Lutjanidae

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