Gorean snapper
(Lutjanus goreensis)
General data
The Gorean snapper has a relatively deep body with a pointed snout and a steeply sloping forehead. The vomerine teeth are arranged in a triangular patch with a clearly rearwards extension.
The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 14 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The pectoral fins contain 16 rays and are relatively short, not extending as far as the anus, and the caudal fin is slightly emarginate.
This fish attains a maximum total length of 80 cm (31 in), although 50 cm (20 in) is more typical.
The back and upper flanks are vivid pink or reddish while the lower flanks and abdomen are silvery-white. There is a thin blue band or line of broken spots underneath the eye. The smaller individuals found in shallow water are mainly brownish in colour
The Gorean snapper is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Its range extends along the western coast of Africa from Senegal in the north to Angola in the south, although it is less common south of the Congo River. It has also been found in the Cape Verde Islands, the Canary Islands and Madeira.
The adults occur over rocky substrates and in near coral reefs. The juveniles are often recorded in coastal waters, especially estuaries and occasionally in the lower reaches of rivers. It has a depth range of 0 to 50 m (0 to 164 ft).
