Fin's Fish Guide
The Smalltooth jobfish (Aphareus furca) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The smalltooth jobfish is a slender snapper from the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a streamlined, blue-grey body with a large mouth and a deeply forked tail. As a fast predator it hunts small fish and crustaceans in clear reef water. It is a valued food fish, but in large specimens there are reports of ciguatera poisoning. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smalltooth jobfish?
The Smalltooth jobfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Streamlined body with a large mouth; fast reef hunter; ciguatera risk
Where does the Smalltooth jobfish live?
The Smalltooth jobfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Smalltooth jobfish get?
The Smalltooth jobfish grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Smalltooth jobfish dangerous to humans?
The Smalltooth jobfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Eat large specimens with caution: there is a risk of ciguatera poisoning (nausea, tingling, reversal of hot/cold sensation). Seek medical help if symptoms follow consumption.
Is the Smalltooth jobfish edible?
The Smalltooth jobfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aphareus
More from the family Lutjanidae
Want the complete picture on the Smalltooth jobfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smalltooth jobfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.