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Lutjanus buccanella
Lutjanus buccanella (Cuvier, 1828)
Blackfin snapper
Lutjanus buccanella
photo by Charteris, M.

Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Lutjaninae
Max. size:  75 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 14 kg
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 200 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: as far north as North Carolina, USA and Bermuda south to Trinidad and northern Brazil; including the Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 9626). Very common in the Caribbean, particularly the Antilles.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Mainly scarlet red, silvery on lower sides and belly; fins are yellowish to orange. A prominent black blotch is at the base and in axil of pectoral fins.
Biology:  Adults inhabit deeper waters over sandy or rocky bottoms and near drop-offs and ledges. Young occur in shallower water, often between about 35 and 50 m. Feed mainly on fishes. Good food fish, it is marketed mostly fresh (Ref. 55).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 October 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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