Common names
Russell's snapper, Moses snapper, Fingermark bream, Moses seaperch, Russell's sea-perch, Moses perch
Moses snapper
Lutjanus russellii
- Saltwater
- Least concern
Max length19.75 in
Common length11.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Depth range10 - 263 ft
Max age2 years
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Moses snapper have a moderately deep body to slender and are easily identified by an indistinct black spot, sometimes very indistinct, on the lateral line below the front portion of the dorsal fin. The overall colour of this fish is whitish to silvery greyish-pink with a brownish back. The dorsal and caudal fins have a reddish colour while the other fins are yellow. Juveniles are white in colour with four brown to blackish longitudinal stripes along the flanks, although these may be interrupted, by a horizontally-elongated black spot or ocellus on the lateral line. There are about 6 golden strips running along the body, which are more prominent on larger fish. The forehead can be steep or moderately sloped and the knob and incision on the preopercle are poorly developed. The rear of the dorsal and anal fins is rounded, although the anal fin tip can be pointed. The caudal fin is either truncated or weakly emarginated.
Habitat
Found on offshore coral reefs as well as inshore rocky and coral reefs. The juveniles inhabit mangrove lined estuaries and the lower parts of freshwater streams.
Distribution
Found mainly in the western Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Thailand and Sumatra east to Tonga, north to southern Japan and south to Australia. In Australian waters this species is found from Shark Bay and the offshore reefs in Western Australia, at Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea, round the northern and eastern coasts as far south as Wollongong and maybe to Jervis Bay in New South Wales.
Behaviour
A predatory fish which is very aggressive by nature and preys on benthic fishes and invertebrates.
Edibility
Excellent, the flesh is white, firm and is considered one of Australia's better table fish.
Lure suggestion
Responds aggressively to small minnow lures and soft plastics. They will readily take quite large baits meant for much bigger prey while reef fishing Good baits: crustaceans, pilchards, oily fish such as tuna or mullet.