Lutjanus boutton (Lacepède, 1802)
Moluccan snapper
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Sumatra to Samoa, north to southern Japan. Apparently restricted to the western Pacific (Ref. 30829).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Snout somewhat pointed. Eye large. Preorbital bone narrow, its width much less than eye diameter. Preopercular notch and knob well developed. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Generally pink or reddish, white or silvery below. Usually a series of ten to twelve stripes is on the side. Some specimens have black spot on the back below the anterior part of the soft dorsal fin. Description: Head and breast dusky reddish brown, dorsal reddish or pink to yellowish grey with black spot (slightly smaller than eye) below middle of dorsal fin, ventral silvery white or yellow; fins yellow, pectoral with spot small brown at base of uppermost pectoral fin rays. Snout somewhat pointed. Eye large. Preorbital bone narrow, its width much less than eye diameter. Preopercular notch and knob well developed. Body depth 2.4-2.6 in SL. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. (Ref. 469, 90102)
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral reefs. Often seen in schools near outcrops or drop-offs, often with other species (Ref. 9710), of up to about 30 to 40 individuals. Small juveniles on shallow algae reef, often near freshwater run-offs (Ref. 48635). Feed on fishes, shrimps, crabs, other crustaceans, cephalopods and some planktonic items.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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