Lutjanus madras (Valenciennes, 1831)
Indian snapper
Lutjanus madras
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 80 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Zanzibar, Seychelles and Madrakah, southern Oman; up to Sri Lanka, and India. Formerly confused with Lutjanus xanthopinnis known from the Indo-West Pacific region.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: no scales on the preopercular flange; scales on the cheek 7-8 rows; with a rounded posterior nostril; predorsal scales extending to about the level of the posterior edge of the orbit; with a prominent mid-lateral yellow stripe, from 1.5 to 3 scale rows wide (Ref. 106991).
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral and rocky reefs (Ref. 55) in coastal areas and outer slopes.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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