Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskål, 1775)

Commonly called Mangrove Jack within Australia, the Mangrove Red Snapper is a powerful sport fish popular for it's flavour and fighting qualities. As ambush predators, these fish often hide around mangrove roots, fallen trees, rock walls and other snag areas where smaller prey reside for protection. For fishermen, these fish are most easily identified by their explosive run for cover once the hooked snappers take the bait. This initial burst of speed allows the fish to gain protection of the snag areas and the lures/baits are lost. Mature red snappers move into open waters to breed. Though they still remain difficult to catch due to their speed and proximity to sharp reef bottoms, these fish are sometimes landed by bottom fishers with heavy tackles. The mangrove red snapper is a highly regarded table fish with firm, sweet-tasting white flesh.

Brackish, Marine

Spawning occurs throughout the year. Fertilisation is external. Fertilized eggs of L. argentimaculatus are transparent, spherical and pelagic, and measure 0.74-0.81 mm in diameter. These fish are nonguarders and scatter their eggs in open water/substratum.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations are cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km. Adults eventually migrate offshore to deeper reef areas, sometimes penetrating to depths in excess of 100 m.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Max. reported age: 31 years

Max length : 150 cm TL male/unsexed. Common length : 80.0 cm TL male/unsexed. Max. published weight: 14.5 kg. .

Generally greenish brown on back grading to reddish on sides and ventral parts; scales with dark centers and white margins giving overall reticulated effect. Mouth somewhat oblique, maxillary reaching to below front border of pupil. Small teeth in narrow bands in the jaws, with an outer series of enlarged ones, a few of which in the anterior part of the upper jaw are canines. Small teeth in a ^ shaped band or in a triangular patch with a posterior prolongation or in a diamond-shaped patch, on the vomer. On palatines an elongate patch of similar teeth. Scales beginning on occiput with a distinct temporal band. Preoperculum with 7-8 transverse rows of scales, posterior and inferior preopercular limb naked. Posterior and inferior border of preoperculum denticulated. Preopercular notch distinct, but shallow. Longitudinal rows of scales above lateral line parallel to it in the anterior part, ascending to dorsal profile below posterior part of spinous dorsal, parallel to axis of body below lateral line. About 47-53 transverse rows of scales above, and 38-44 below lateral line. Dorsal spines slender. First spine less than half length of second, which is shorter than third. Third and fourth spine longest, nearly equal to post orbital part of head. Soft dorsal rounded, higher or lower than spinous part. First anal spine less than half length of second, which is equal to or somewhat longer than third one, equal to snout in young specimens, shorter than snout in large specimens. Anal region rounded. Soft anal rays much higher than spines. Pectorals about one half of snout shorter than head. Ventrals as long as eye and snout together, ventral spine equal to snout. Caudal slightly emarginate. Dorsal spines (total): 10-10, Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14, Anal spines: 3, Anal soft rays: 7-8.

L. argentimaculatus is distinguished from L. bohar by its longer snout and truncate tail and more bronze to greenish coloration.

Secondary consumer. Prey: Zoobenthos, bony fishes, crabs, mysids, shrimps.

A euryhaline species . Juveniles and young adults occur in mangrove estuaries, the lower reaches of freshwater streams and tidal creeks . Adults are often found in groups around coral reefs . Eventually migrate offshore to deeper reef areas, sometimes penetrating to depths in excess of 100 m. Mainly nocturnal, this species feeds mostly on fishes and crustaceans . Habitat frequently consists of areas of abundant shelter in the form of caves or overhanging ledges. Carnivore .

Mass mortality in hatchery reared juvenile L. argentimaculatus due to parasitic dinoflagellate, Amyloodinium ocellatum, was reported in the Philippines (Cruz-Lacierda et al. 2004). Mortality due to possible ammonia poisoning was observed at Tuticorin bay, East coast of India (Asha et al., 2009). Fish lymphocystis disease (FLD) cause due to iridovirus measuring 130-330 nm, was reported in marine net cage cultured L. argentimaculatus in China (Yogija, 1992) and in South east Asia (Chang & Chao, 1986).

Goezia Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.) ;

A euryhaline species. Juveniles and young adults occur in mangrove estuaries, the lower reaches of freshwater streams and tidal creeks. Adults are often found in groups around coral reefs. Mainly nocturnal, this species feeds mostly on fishes and crustaceans. Climate: Subtropical; 16°C - 30°C.

Habitat reef-associated; oceanodromous ; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 120 m

Sometimes confused with Red Bass, a known carrier of the ciguatera poison.

Not evaluated.

Not Evaluated IUCN 2006

A fine game fish. An important market species with excellent flesh, throughout the Indo-Pacific region, but never found in large quantities. A good aquaculture species because it doesn't get rancid easily when frozen. It commands a good export market price with no limit on body size. Found in Hong Kong live fish markets.

fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes

Caught mainly with hand lines, bottom longlines, bottom set gill nets and trawls. Taken commercially in the Andamans and Maharastra coasts of India.