Checkered Snappers

(Lutjanus decussatus)

Lutjanus Snappers should be adding to very large well established aquariums with rockwork, caves and overhangs used to shelter in. Snappers require large amounts of swim room as they are active swimmers. Although normally found in groups in the wild only 1 fish per aquarium as they become quite large. Snappers should be housed with larger fish that are not easily harassed. Snappers are generally quite easy to feed and will generally accept most meaty diets. They will pick at and consume invertebrates and fish they are able to fit in their mouth.

Checkered Snappers are sometimes also known as the Mexican Snapper. In the aquarium trade Checkered Snappers are not commonly seen due to their large size and specific dietary requirements. They are primarily caught for commercial and subsistence fishing. Checkered Snappers have an elongated body with a reddish-pink coloration and a series of white spots arranged in a checkered pattern on their sides. They have a prominent, pointed snout and a large mouth with sharp teeth. They can grow up to 24 inches in length.

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 500 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium