Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-spot sea perch (Lutjanus fulviflamma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, on coastal reefs and in deep lagoons, often in shoals with other snappers.
Description
The dory snapper is a snapper (family Lutjanidae) of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a fusiform, silvery-yellowish body with yellow longitudinal stripes and a conspicuous dark spot high on the flank. Adults inhabit coral reefs, usually in schools on coastal reefs and in deep lagoons, often in large aggregations together with other snappers. Its diet consists of fishes, crustaceans and other invertebrates, hunted mainly at night. The species is of commercial value; in parts of its range the flesh can contain ciguatera.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-spot sea perch?
The Black-spot sea perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Dark blotch high on the flank and yellow longitudinal stripes; forms large aggregations; locally prone to ciguatera.
Where does the Black-spot sea perch live?
The Black-spot sea perch lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, on coastal reefs and in deep lagoons, often in shoals with other snappers.
How big does the Black-spot sea perch get?
The Black-spot sea perch grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Black-spot sea perch dangerous to humans?
The Black-spot sea perch is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The flesh can contain ciguatera in some tropical areas; do not eat large reef specimens from risk areas. In case of poisoning (tingling, gastrointestinal symptoms) seek medical advice.
Is the Black-spot sea perch edible?
Yes, the Black-spot sea perch is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lutjanus
More from the family Lutjanidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-spot sea perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-spot sea perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.