Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus)
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| A large individual found in Pasir Ris Park's mangroves which has seen some fighting with anglers. (Photograph by: Lumin Ong) |
Family: Lutjanidae
Species Name: Lutjanus argentimaculatus
Common Name(s): Mangrove Jack, Mangrove Red Snapper
Species Name: Lutjanus argentimaculatus
Common Name(s): Mangrove Jack, Mangrove Red Snapper
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Based on age - Adults: offshore coral reefs, Juveniles: Estuaries and rivers.
Conservation status: Near Threatened (Red Data Book 3)
The Mangrove Jack is a name known to many people as a game fish, food and even pets. This euryhaline fish covers a wide range of habitats depending on its age. Younger adults and juveniles inhabit inland waters such as estuaries and even freshwater streams, while adults move to deeper waters offshore over coral reefs.
Growing up to a maximum size of 1.5 meters, this is a formidable predator in the ecosystems it occurs on whatever fits into its mouth. Like its relatives, it possesses sizable fangs that helps in snagging unsuspecting prey. It is an ambush predator, carefully inspecting and sneaking around shelters such as mangrove roots for its prey before catching them with a burst of speed.
As mentioned earlier, the Mangrove Jack is a popular commercial fish that is caught and farmed for its meat. It is also famous among fishermen for its burst of speed upon getting hooked.
References
Habitat: Based on age - Adults: offshore coral reefs, Juveniles: Estuaries and rivers.
Conservation status: Near Threatened (Red Data Book 3)
The Mangrove Jack is a name known to many people as a game fish, food and even pets. This euryhaline fish covers a wide range of habitats depending on its age. Younger adults and juveniles inhabit inland waters such as estuaries and even freshwater streams, while adults move to deeper waters offshore over coral reefs.
Growing up to a maximum size of 1.5 meters, this is a formidable predator in the ecosystems it occurs on whatever fits into its mouth. Like its relatives, it possesses sizable fangs that helps in snagging unsuspecting prey. It is an ambush predator, carefully inspecting and sneaking around shelters such as mangrove roots for its prey before catching them with a burst of speed.
As mentioned earlier, the Mangrove Jack is a popular commercial fish that is caught and farmed for its meat. It is also famous among fishermen for its burst of speed upon getting hooked.
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| A small Mangrove Jack found in full saltwater around Sentosa. (Photograph by: Lumin Ong) |
References
- FishBase. Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskål, 1775) – Mangrove Red Snapper. Retrieved from https://www.fishbase.se/summary/lutjanus-argentimaculatus.html.
- Lim, K.K.P. & Low, J.K.Y. 1998. A Guide to Common Marine Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, 163 pp. ISBN 981-00-9904-5.
- National Parks Board (NParks). Marine Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/marine-fishes.
