Snapper: Golden Snapper

Golden Snapper (Lutjanus johnii), also known as John's snapper or Fingermark bream, are large marine snapper species widespread throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. Golden Snapper can be recognized by the round black spot on their back (gradually becoming absent in large adults) and the reddish brown spot at the centre of each scale. These spots create the appearance of a series of horizontal lines on the side of their body. They are sometimes confused with the smaller species, Lutjanus russelli which also has a black spot on its back but lacks the reddish brown spots on its scales.

Golden Snapper can reach a maximum total length of 97 cm and weigh up to 10.5 kg. They are mainly caught with squids, shrimps and fishes at night. They often bite swiftly and run with their food before swallowing, making them difficult to catch.

Golden Snapper can be found from the coastline to depths of about 80 meters. Adults are mostly found over deep reefs. However, each year, they will move from deeper offshore waters to relatively shallow coastal waters of the coastline to spawn. Large female golden snapper are capable of producing millions of eggs. Once hatched, the larvae enter the near shore environment to settle near bottom structures. As the larvae grow into juveniles they move to mangrove estuaries where they remain there until maturity. They mature at about 3 years of age when they reach around 40 cm. After reaching maturity they will move to deeper waters. They grow slowly after maturity and can live for over 28 years.