Dog snapper (Lutjanus jocu)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lutjanus jocu
- Common name
- Dog snapper
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Lutjanidae
- Genus
- Lutjanus
- Size
- 40–128 cm
- Depth
- 2–110 m
- IUCN status
- Data deficient (DD)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef, mangrove
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Lutjanus jocu reaches 1.28 m and 29 kg, one of the largest Caribbean snappers. Massive grey-red to brown body, characteristic white triangle below the eye, long protruding canines visible even with mouth closed (hence dog snapper). Solitary predator on Caribbean drop-offs and wrecks down to 110 m. Juveniles in mangroves. Valued in sport fishing despite ciguatera risk in large specimens.
Photo of Dog snapper
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Dog snapper?
- Dog snapper (Lutjanus jocu) reaches 40–128 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Dog snapper?
- Dog snapper is found between 2–110 m deep.
- Is the Dog snapper dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Dog snapper?
- IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
- Where can you find the Dog snapper?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Lutjanus
- Lutjanus synagris - Lane snapper
- Lutjanus apodus - Schoolmaster 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 159798)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2384948)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia