AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Lutjanus guttatus
Spotted rose snapper
(Steindachner, 1869)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) is a marine fish of great commercial and ecological importance in the eastern Pacific. It is distinguished by its reddish or silvery coloration and, characteristically, by a diffuse dark spot on the upper part of the flank, just below the dorsal fin.
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Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Pargo manchadoSpotted Rose SnapperPargo lunarejo
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Perciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Lutjanidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Lutjanus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Steindachner, 1869)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits shallow coastal waters over sandy or rocky bottoms, often near reefs. Juveniles frequently use estuaries and mangrove areas as nursery grounds and shelter.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Exhibits gregarious behavior during the day, forming large inactive schools near reef structures. At night, the school disperses and individuals become active benthic predators.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly gregarious, especially during its juvenile stage and during daylight hours in its adult phase.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic carnivore. Its diet is mainly based on shrimp, crabs, mollusks, and small fish.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Mid-to-high level predator. It regulates populations of benthic invertebrates, while adults are preyed upon by large sharks and marine mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Reproduces by pelagic spawning. Males and females simultaneously release their gametes into the water column, where the fertilized eggs drift with the currents.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 80.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
500 g - 4.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.100000 - 500000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 4 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1 - 2
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females10 - 15 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
False eyespot: The dark spot on its back serves to confuse predators, deflecting attacks away from its head.
Robust jaws: Equipped with sharp conical teeth ideal for crushing the shells of benthic crustaceans.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Overfishing: It is one of the most harvested species by commercial and artisanal fisheries in the eastern Pacific region.
Habitat loss: The degradation of mangroves and estuaries threatens crucial nursery areas for juveniles.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Post-mortem coloration: When caught, its reddish coloration often intensifies, making it very attractive in local fish markets.