Saddletail Snapper
NameSaddletail Snapper
Scientific NameLutjanus malabaricus
Common NamesSaddletail Snapper, Malabar Blood Snapper, Malabar Snapper
FamilyLutjanidae
OriginIndo-West Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, Fiji, Southern Japan, Australia
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)500
Max Size (Inches)39
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesLarge Groupers, Large Triggerfish, Moray Eels, Other large, robust marine predators
Description
The Saddletail Snapper is a large, predatory marine fish found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. It is characterized by its reddish-pink body and a distinctive dark 'saddle' mark on the caudal peduncle, which can fade with age. Due to its significant adult size and carnivorous diet, this species requires a very large aquarium and is generally not suitable for typical home aquariums.
