Majestic Snapper - Symphorichthys spilurus - Juvenile

The Majestic Snapper (Symphorichthys spilurus) is a true beauty. Its body is yellow with horizontal blue stripes. There is a dark vertical band through the eye and behind the head, and a black spot at the base of the tail. The dorsal fin is long and filamented, as is the anal fin. Juveniles are brown and gold with a dark horizontal stripe.

Although Snappers may be popular with seafood enthusiasts, many are also popular aquarium fish. Snappers are usually found more in the open water or higher in the water than many other aquarium fish. The adult fish is often very different in coloration and even shape than juveniles, and many grow too large or active for most home aquariums.

The "true" Snappers" about 100 total - come from the Lutjanidae family although some other types of fish may have "Snapper" in their common name. They are predators and will eat almost anything small enough to fit into their considerably-sized mouths, including small fish and invertebrates like shrimp and crabs. Most will not eat or disturb corals and sessile (stationary) invertebrates but species that perch on surfaces may irritate or damage the corals by this behavior alone. Most of these fish also grow very large and need a very large aquarium with ample filtration to accommodate them.