Ruby Snapper, Etelis carbunculus (Cuvier, 1828)

Scientific name: Etelis carbunculus
Alternative name/s:
It has also been called the Long-tailed Snapper.
Similar species:
It looks similar to the Flame Snapper, Etelis coruscans,but does not have such a strongly forked caudal fin.
  • Updated
    15/04/19
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Ruby Snapper, Etelis carbunculus Click to enlarge image
A Ruby Snapper caught at a depth of 280m, off Brunswick Heads, northern New South Wales, November 2003. Image: Ian Cameron
© Ian Cameron

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Etelis
    Species
    carbunculus
    Family
    Lutjanidae
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 30 cm in length.

Introduction

The Ruby Snapper is a moderately elongate fish that can be recognised by its colouration. It is red above and pinkish to white below. The margins of the dorsal and caudal fins are red. The tip of the lower lobe of the caudal fin is white.

Identification

The Ruby Snapper is a moderately elongate fish that can be recognised by its colouration. It is red above and pinkish to white below. The margins of the dorsal and caudal fins are red. The tip of the lower lobe of the caudal fin is white.

Habitat

It is known from both continental shelf and slope waters in depths from 90m to 350m.

Distribution

The Ruby Snapper occurs in tropical waters of the Indo-west and Central Pacific.

In Australia it is recorded from north-western Western Australia and off north-eastern Queensland, with individuals such as the fish in the image sometimes being found considerably further south.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

The species feeds on squid, fishes and crustaceans.

Economic impacts

The Ruby Snapper is an commercial species throughout much of its distribution.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Anderson, W.D. & G.R. Allen. 2001. Lutjanidae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 5. Bony fishes part 3 (Menidae to Pomacentridae). FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-iv, 2791-3379.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
  4. Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J., & G.G. Leyland. 1985. Continental Shelf Fishes of northern and north-western Australia. An illustrated Guide. CSIRO Division of Fisheries Research. Pp. 375.