Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 3–150 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs summer.
Scientific name: Lutjanus rivulatus · Water: Saltwater · Season: Summer
Size: up to 85.5 cm
The blubberlip snapper is long-lived - up to 56 years - and commonly about 60 cm, reaching 85.5 cm. It turns up occasionally on coral reefs and shallow inshore flats, singly or in loose groups of 15-20. Adults work the deeper coastal slopes while juveniles stay on shallow algae-reef flats, often near freshwater run-offs. It feeds on fishes, cephalopods and bottom-dwelling crustaceans. An excellent food fish sold in Hong Kong live fish markets, taken mainly by handline, traps and gill nets. In season in summer.
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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