Lutjanus bohar

Datasheet

General Description

The Two-spot red snapper, scientifically known as Lutjanus bohar, is a species belonging to the family Lutjanidae. These predatory fish typically feed on fish and a variety of invertebrates, with a preference for crustaceans, snails, sea urchins, and worms. They are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Marquesas and Line islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to Australia. This species is more prevalent around oceanic islands compared to continental areas.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquarium keeping with care, the Two-spot red snapper demands a very large tank, with a minimum size of 2500 liters when fully grown. They are known to grow rapidly if well-fed, and their diet should consist of fish and larger crustaceans. These fish can exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish, especially smaller species, and may also pose a threat to crustaceans in the tank. When kept in captivity, they are initially shy but may become more aggressive as they acclimatize.

Care and Hardiness

Two-spot red snappers are classified as hardy fish but are only suitable for very large aquariums. They require a varied diet and thrive best in tanks with overhangs, caves, and ample space for swimming. These fish do best when fed live food and must be given plenty of hiding spots to help alleviate their aggressive tendencies. It is advisable to keep them in a species-specific tank to prevent territorial conflicts.

Reef Suitability

Reef keepers should exercise caution when considering the Two-spot red snapper for a reef tank. While they are labeled as reef-safe with caution, they may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other tank inhabitants and should not be housed with timid or docile species. Regular feeding, sufficient hiding places, and providing ample swimming space can help reduce their aggressive tendencies to some extent.

Aquarium Setup

For the optimal care of Two-spot red snappers, setting up the aquarium should include a large overhang or cave for hiding, as well as structures that allow them to swim freely. The tank should mimic their natural habitat with plenty of hiding spots, live rock formations, and a sandy substrate. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 dKH is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

In captivity, Two-spot red snappers may display aggressive behavior towards other tank mates, particularly smaller or more passive fish. They tend to be territorial and may require careful observation and management to prevent conflicts within the aquarium. Providing a suitable environment with hiding places and enough space for swimming can help in minimizing their aggressive tendencies.

Feeding and Diet

These fish have a varied diet consisting of fish and larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. They should be fed live food when possible to encourage their natural feeding behavior and ensure their nutritional needs are met. A well-balanced diet is essential for the health and longevity of Two-spot red snappers in captivity.

Habitat and Distribution

Two-spot red snappers are commonly found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific regions. They inhabit a wide range of marine environments, from reefs to open ocean waters, and prefer areas with ample hiding spots and abundant prey sources. Understanding their natural habitat and distribution can aid in creating a suitable environment for these fish in an aquarium setting.