Blacktail snapper (Lutjanus fulvus) is a saltwater, freshwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–80 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Lutjanus fulvus · Water: Saltwater, Freshwater, Brackish · Season: All year
Size: up to 40 cm
The blacktail snapper lives on lagoons and semi-sheltered seaward reefs, choosing spots with deep holes or large boulders, while juveniles move into shallow mangrove swamps and the lower reaches of freshwater streams. It is solitary or loosely grouped. It feeds at night, taking fishes, shrimps, crabs, sea cucumbers and cephalopods. Commonly about 25 cm and up to 40 cm, living 34 years and maturing at about 20.6 cm. Mostly sold fresh, and a fairly valuable fish, with ciguatera recorded in the Pacific part of its range.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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