Description:

Dorsal spines: 10; Dorsal rays: 13-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 7-8.

Moderately deep-bodied snapper, snout somewhat pointed and jaws with well-developed canine teeth.  Dorsal fin continuous; posterior profile of dorsal and anal fins rounded. 
Caudal fin emarginate to nearly truncate. Dorsal scale rows approximately parallel to lateral line.

Exhibits significant colour variation through life. Juveniles with a series of about eight whitish bars crossing sides, and one or two blue lines across cheek. Young fish 
generally greenish brown dorsally, grading to reddish on flanks and ventrally. As they grow specimens become increasingly red in colour passing though greyish-pink to 
silvery phase to rich red colour all over. Blues lines on cheek gradually fading with growth.
 

Maturity: Lm 57 cm TL. Max Length: 150 cm TL. Commonly to 80 cm TL. 

A euryhaline species. Juveniles and young adults occur in mangrove estuaries, and the lower reaches and tidal areas of rivers and streams. After several years and on 
attaining a size of 40-50 cm in length they migrate offshore to deeper waters (to depths in excess of 100 m). Adults are often found in groups around coral reefs. Mainly 
nocturnal they feed upon fish and crustacea. Oviparous pelagic spawners, juveniles being recruited at about 2cm length into coastal habitats.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in primarily in the hand line fishery, juveniles may occasionally be caught in the trap fishery, 
it is an uncommon component of the catch. 
 

Allen, G.R. (1985). FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 6 Snappers of the World. UNFAO Rome 1985.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/1407 (24/03/19).
Gomon, M.F. & Bray, D.J. Lutjanus argentimaculatus in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/548 (24/03/19)
Russell, B. et al. (2016). Lutjanus argentimaculatus. The IUCN Red List 2016: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T61250A3101831.en. (24/03/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Mangrove red snapper. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/lutjanus-argentimaculatus-forsskal-1775/ (edited 18/07/22).