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Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) — Lutjanidae

Blubberlip snapper

Lutjanus rivulatus
Family: Lutjanidae

The Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–150.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Bangladesh, Solomon Is., Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The blubberlip snapper is a snapper (Lutjanidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 80 cm and has a deep, grey-blue body; juveniles bear handsome blue lines and white spots, adults thick lips and a high head. As a bottom-oriented predator it shelters around coral and rocky reefs and wrecks and hunts fish and crustaceans. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blubberlip snapper?

The Blubberlip snapper has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.

Where does the Blubberlip snapper live?

The Blubberlip snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Bangladesh, Solomon Is., Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others

How big does the Blubberlip snapper get?

The Blubberlip snapper grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.

Is the Blubberlip snapper dangerous to humans?

No, the Blubberlip snapper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Blubberlip snapper edible?

Yes, the Blubberlip snapper is commonly eaten.

More photos

Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) — Lutjanidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) randy_chiu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) — Lutjanidae — 3
C.Leo (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) — Lutjanidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Royle Safaris, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) — Lutjanidae — 5
Alexander Kattan (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blubberlip snapper sourced
Scientific name
Lutjanus rivulatus
Family
Lutjanidae
Other names
Blubberlip snapper; Maori seaperch; Speckled snapper; Scribbled snapper; Maori snapper; Blue-spotted seaperch; Blue-spotted sea-perch; Maori bream; Multi-coloured snapper; Snapper; Tropical snapper; Yellowfin snapper verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Average length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Bangladesh, Solomon Is., Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas. verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lutjanus

More from the family Lutjanidae

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