Common name: Blackspot snapper
General information
The Blackspot Snapper, Lutjanus ehrenbergii, is a tropical marine fish known for its striking appearance and is a member of the snapper family, Lutjanidae. It is characterized by its silver-grey body with a distinctive black spot on the lateral line and a yellowish tail. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other snappers, but it can be a rewarding fish for experienced aquarists who can accommodate its needs.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and open water
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods, may accept pellets
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially during feeding
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilySnappersLutjanidae
- GenusSnappersLutjanus
- SpeciesBlackspot snapperLutjanus ehrenbergii (Peters, 1869)
- SynonymsLutianus ehrenbergii (Peters, 1869)Lutjanus ehrevbergi (Peters, 1869)Lutjanus oligolepis Bleeker, 1873Mesoprion ehrenbergii Peters, 1869
Care
Lutjanus ehrenbergii requires a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space, as it can reach up to 35 cm in length. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is essential for their health. They are known to be somewhat aggressive, particularly towards smaller fish, so tankmates should be chosen with care to avoid predation.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blackspot Snappers form large aggregations for spawning, which usually occurs around dusk. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and requires a very large system to mimic their natural environment and behavior.
Habitat
The Blackspot Snapper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They inhabit coral reefs and are often found in lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of 2 to at least 90 meters.