Species:Mahogany snapper
Mahogany snapper. Photo by Barbara Shiveley. Florida Museum of Natural History
Published: July 2, 2009, 12:00 am
Updated: December 8, 2011, 2:28 pm
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
C Michael Hogan
The mahogany snapper (scientific name: Lutjanus mahogoni) is a member of the snapper family (Family Lutjanidae) that lives on coral reefs in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Also known as the lantern jaw, this species is characteristically found near shore or in waters of the epipelagic zone.
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Mahogany snapper. Source: Florent Charpin/www.reefguide.org
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum:--- Chordata
Class:------ Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes)
Order:-------- Perciformes
Family:-------- Lutjanidae (Snappers)
Genus:----------Lutjanus
Species:----------Lutjanus mahogoni (Cuvier, 1828)
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Physical Description
Mahogany snappers range from 17.5 to 48.0 centimeters in length. They are light colored with a reddish tint with and a reddish margin on their tails.
Distribution
Distribution of mahogany snapper. Source: Florida Museum of Natural History
The species is found in the Western Atlantic from North Carolina, USA to Venezuela, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitat
Mahogany snappers live near shore or offshore in water up to 100 meters in depth. They live over coral reefs and rocky bottoms, sandy areas, and grass beds.
Feeding Behavior
They are nocturnal generalist carnivores that feed at night on small bottom fishes, such as grunts, shrimp, cephalopods, and crabs.
Behavior
Because this fish species forages nocturnally, the individuals spend their days drifting among coral and gorgonians, either singly or in small groups.
Reproduction
Most reproduction occurs in the summer. Spawning occurs in the water column. After about one day, eggs hatch and the larvae enter the pelagic stage until they settle onto the reef where they seek protection from predators.
Associations
Mahogany snappers ocassionally for associations with white grunts.
Conservation Status
The mahogany snapper is not considered to be a species at risk of extinction.
References and Further Reading
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Encyclopedia of Life. Curator: C.Michael Hogan. 2011. Lutjanus mahogoni (Cuvier, 1828)
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Florida Museum of Natural History. Mahogany Snapper
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P.Humann and N.Deloach (Editor) 1994. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348078>
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N.Deloach. 1999. Reef Fish Behavior, Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348280
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Citation
Mark McGinley (Lead Author);C Michael Hogan (Topic Editor) "Mahogany snapper". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth July 2, 2009; Last revised Date December 8, 2011; Retrieved May 18, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Mahogany_snapper?topic=49540>
The Author
Mark McGinley is an Associate Professor in the Honors College and Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University. He has conducted research in the evolutionary, behavioral, and community ecology of animals and plants. Dr. McGinley’s recent scholarly interests focus on educating the general public about scientific (particularly environmental) issues. He is currently working closely with students in an interdisciplinary degree program, Natural History and Humanities, which combine ... (Full Bio)
The mahogany snapper (scientific name: Lutjanus mahogoni) is a member of the snapper family (Family Lutjanidae) that lives on coral reefs in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Also known as the lantern jaw, this species is characteristically found near shore or in waters of the epipelagic zone.
|
Mahogany snapper. Source: Florent Charpin/www.reefguide.org
|
|
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum:--- Chordata
Class:------ Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes)
Order:-------- Perciformes
Family:-------- Lutjanidae (Snappers)
Genus:----------Lutjanus
Species:----------Lutjanus mahogoni (Cuvier, 1828)
|
Physical Description
Mahogany snappers range from 17.5 to 48.0 centimeters in length. They are light colored with a reddish tint with and a reddish margin on their tails.
Distribution
Distribution of mahogany snapper. Source: Florida Museum of Natural History
The species is found in the Western Atlantic from North Carolina, USA to Venezuela, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitat
Mahogany snappers live near shore or offshore in water up to 100 meters in depth. They live over coral reefs and rocky bottoms, sandy areas, and grass beds.
Feeding Behavior
They are nocturnal generalist carnivores that feed at night on small bottom fishes, such as grunts, shrimp, cephalopods, and crabs.
Behavior
Because this fish species forages nocturnally, the individuals spend their days drifting among coral and gorgonians, either singly or in small groups.
Reproduction
Most reproduction occurs in the summer. Spawning occurs in the water column. After about one day, eggs hatch and the larvae enter the pelagic stage until they settle onto the reef where they seek protection from predators.
Associations
Mahogany snappers ocassionally for associations with white grunts.
Conservation Status
The mahogany snapper is not considered to be a species at risk of extinction.
References and Further Reading
-
Encyclopedia of Life. Curator: C.Michael Hogan. 2011. Lutjanus mahogoni (Cuvier, 1828)
-
Florida Museum of Natural History. Mahogany Snapper
-
P.Humann and N.Deloach (Editor) 1994. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348078>
-
N.Deloach. 1999. Reef Fish Behavior, Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348280
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
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