Schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lutjanus apodus
- Common name
- Schoolmaster snapper
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Lutjanidae
- Genus
- Lutjanus
- Size
- 25–67 cm
- Depth
- 2–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef, mangrove
- Behaviours
- schooling
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Lutjanus apodus, the schoolmaster, reaches 67 cm. Uniformly golden-yellow body with 8 faint lighter vertical bars, vivid yellow fins, blue line below the eye in adults. Forms dense nearly-motionless schools around wrecks, gorgonians and coral overhangs by day. Hunts crustaceans and small fish at night. Uses mangroves as juvenile nursery.
Photo of Schoolmaster snapper
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Schoolmaster snapper?
- Schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus) reaches 25–67 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Schoolmaster snapper?
- Schoolmaster snapper is found between 2–60 m deep.
- Is the Schoolmaster snapper dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Schoolmaster snapper?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Schoolmaster snapper?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Lutjanus
- Lutjanus synagris - Lane snapper
- Lutjanus jocu - Dog snapper
- Lutjanus griseus - Grey snapper
- Lutjanus analis - Mutton snapper
- Lutjanus argentiventris - Yellow snapper
- Lutjanus novemfasciatus - Pacific cubera snapper
Other species in the family Lutjanidae
- Ocyurus chrysurus - Yellowtail snapper
- Macolor niger - Black snapper
- Hoplopagrus guentherii - Barred pargo
- Macolor macularis - Spotted Snapper
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 159793)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2384922)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia