Fiveline Snapper, Lutjanus quinquelineatus Click to enlarge image
Fiveline Snapper, Lutjanus quinquelineatus, at a depth of 15 m, Wheeler Reef, Great Barrier Reef off Townsville, Queensland, November 2001. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Lutjanus
    Species
    quinquelineatus
    Family
    Lutjanidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 35 cm in length.

Introduction

The Fiveline Snapper can be recognised by its colouration. It is yellow with five blue lines on the body. It is found in tropical waters and some temperate waters of the Indo-West Pacific.

Identification

The Fiveline Snapper can be recognised by its colouration. It is yellow with five blue lines on the body. There is often a diffuse dark blotch on the back below the dorsal fin rays and above the lateral line.

Distribution

It is found in tropical waters and some temperate waters of the Indo-West Pacific.In Australia the Fiveline Snapper occurs from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the central coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.



References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  4. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.