Other names: Russell's snapper, Moses snapper, Fingermark bream, Russell's sea-perch, Moses seaperch
Moses perch, Lutjanus russellii, is a reef-associated fish commonly found in tropical waters across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Recognizable by its slender body and silvery-pink coloration, this snapper is highly sought after in both commercial and artisanal fisheries. Juveniles often inhabit mangrove estuaries, while adults prefer deeper offshore coral reefs. Their diet consists mainly of small fish and benthic invertebrates, making them versatile predators.
Other names
Russell's snapper, Moses snapper, Fingermark bream, Russell's sea-perch, Moses seaperch
Length
~30" (max 50)
Water
Salt, brackish
Water Temp
24-29° F
Depth
3-80 ft
Mullet
Pilchards
Prawns
Worms
YabbiesOpen from August 16, to July 14
4
>70 (1 fish)
35 cm
Total length
Moses perch favors coral and rocky reefs, usually at moderate depths
Juveniles are commonly found in estuarine environments, including mangroves and the lower reaches of rivers
They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a diet of small fish and various invertebrates found near the seabed
Preferring deeper waters as they mature, these snappers are typically more abundant in areas with complex reef structures
Juveniles inhabit shallower estuarine waters before transitioning to deeper reefs as they grow
Moses perch reach maturity as they increase in size and move to offshore reefs
Spawning typically occurs in warmer seasons when water temperatures rise
During spawning, these fish exhibit strong site fidelity, often returning to specific reefs to reproduce annually
