Snappers

Humpback snapper (Lutjanus gibbus)

The Humpback snapper (Lutjanus gibbus) belongs to the family Lutjanidae (snappers) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in loose aggregations. It reaches about 45 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Humpback snapper (Lutjanus gibbus), a Red Sea fish of the snappers family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameLutjanus gibbus
FamilySnappers (Lutjanidae)
Common name (IT)Lutiano gobbo
Common name (EN)Humpback snapper
Maximum size45 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Humpback snapper belong to?
The Humpback snapper (Lutjanus gibbus) belongs to the family Lutjanidae (snappers).
Is the Humpback snapper dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Humpback snapper endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Humpback snapper get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 45 cm.

Explore the Humpback snapper in 3D in the interactive atlas →