Apsilus fuscus Valenciennes, 1830
African forktail snapper
Apsilus fuscus
photo by Cambraia Duarte, P.M.N. (c)ImagDOP

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Apsilinae
Max. size:  75 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 15 - 300 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Mauritania to Namibia, including Cape Verde (Ref. 10795). Records of this species from the western Indian Ocean are probably based on misidentifications.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Interorbital space broad and convex. Scale rows on back parallel to lateral line. Back and sides dark brown, lighter on belly and underside of head.
Biology:  Adults inhabit coralline and rocky bottoms (Ref. 2683). Feed on small fishes, squids and crustaceans. Flesh of good quality.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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