Lutjanus goreensis

Lore & Background

The Gorean snapper was first formally described in 1830 by the French zoologist Achille Valenciennes, who named it Mesoprion goreensis. The specific name refers to the type locality of Gorée in Senegal. It has a relatively deep body with a pointed snout and steeply sloping forehead. The vomerine teeth are arranged in a triangular patch with a clear rearwards extension. The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 14 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The pectoral fins are short, not reaching the anus, and the caudal fin is slightly emarginate. Adults are vivid pink or reddish on the back and upper flanks, with silvery-white lower flanks and abdomen, and a thin blue band or line of broken spots under the eye. Smaller individuals in shallow water are mainly brownish.

Reader's Guide

The Gorean snapper is a predatory species that feeds on other fishes and larger benthic invertebrates. It is found over rocky substrates and near coral reefs as an adult, while juveniles occur in coastal waters, especially estuaries and occasionally in the lower reaches of rivers. It is a target for commercial and artisanal fisheries throughout its range, taken mainly with seines, hook and line, and spearfishing, as well as handlines, fixed bottom nets, and trawl nets. The catch is usually sold fresh. It is also cultured in the brackish water zone of the Niger Delta alongside L. agennes, with a total estimated yield of 1,415 kg per hectare per annum. The IUCN categorizes it as Data Deficient due to very little data on landings or biology, but notes it may be vulnerable to overfishing and that its true status may be Near Threatened or Vulnerable.

Did You Know?

• The Gorean snapper was first described in 1830 by Achille Valenciennes as Mesoprion goreensis.
• It attains a maximum total length of 80 cm, though 50 cm is more typical.