Lutjanus stellatus Akazaki, 1983
Star snapper
Lutjanus stellatus
photo by Gomen See@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  55 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: southern Japan southward to the vicinity of Hong Kong.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body is moderately deep, generally brown, slightly purplish, grading to yellowish brown or pale orange on belly. A longitudinal blue stripe runs from the snout to the opercle; a white spot is just above the lateral line below the first soft ray of the dorsal fin.
Biology:  Adults occur in the vicinity of coral and rocky reefs. Usually found solitarily or in small groups. Sold in Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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