Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Lane snapper
photo by Flescher, D.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,530.0 g; max. reported age: 10 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 400 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda (Anderson, pers. comm.) and North Carolina, USA to southeastern Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea (Ref. 9626). Most abundant around the Antilles, on the Campeche Bank, off Panama and the northern coast of South America. Lutjanus ambiguus (Poey, 1860), an intergeneric hybrid with Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch) as demonstrated by Loftus (1992: Ref. 33006), followed by McEachran &. Fechhelm (2005: Ref. 78464).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Pectoral fins short, not reaching level of anus. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Back and upper side pink to reddish, with a green tinge and diffused darker vertical bars. The lower sides and belly silvery with a yellow tinge. A series of 8 - 10 horizontal yellow or golden stripes on sides. A diffused black spot mainly above the lateral line and below the anterior portion of the soft dorsal-fin rays.
Biology:  Adults are found over all types of bottom, but mainly around coral reefs and on vegetated sandy areas. In turbid as well as clear water (Ref. 9710). They often form large aggregations, especially during the breeding season. Feed at night on small fishes, bottom-living crabs, shrimps, worms, gastropods and cephalopods. Good food fish, it is marketed fresh.
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 10 October 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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