The Common Bluestripe Snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) is a species of fish belonging to the snapper family, Lutjanidae. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, with a distribution extending from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean, including areas like Japan and Australia.
Description & Characteristics
The Common Bluestripe Snapper is a moderately sized snapper, reaching a maximum length of 40.0 cm. This species is distinguished by its elongated body and prominent blue stripes that run vertically along its flanks. The head is relatively large, with a slightly protruding snout and a large mouth. The coloration of the body is typically reddish-brown, with a paler underside and a whitish belly. The fins are usually yellowish or reddish in color.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Common Bluestripe Snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) is an adaptable species with a wide depth range, typically occurring between 3.0 and 265.0 meters. This species inhabits a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. They are often found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, and are commonly encountered in the neritic zone.
Taxonomy
The Common Bluestripe Snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Lutjanidae. The Lutjanidae family includes a diverse group of fishes known for their robust bodies and large mouths. The Teleostei is the most diverse group of fishes, encompassing most of the bony fish species known today. Eupercaria incertae sedis is a taxonomic order of ray-finned fishes that are not yet classified into any specific suborders, highlighting the ongoing research and classification efforts within the scientific community.
Feeding
The Common Bluestripe Snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) is a carnivorous fish that feeds primarily on a diet of crustaceans and fish. This species is known to consume a variety of prey items, including brine shrimps, clam meat, small fish, flakes, invertebrates, krill, and mysis. This diverse feeding behavior highlights the adaptability of the Common Bluestripe Snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) in accessing food resources within its marine environment.
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