Snappers / Kaka'ka'
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Snappers / Kaka'ka'
Lutjanus spp.
Twinspot snapper / Tagåfi / Lutjanus bohar
Potentially ciguatoxic: see Poisonous fishes
Snappers are robust-bodied highly valued food fishes. They are caught primarily by bottomfishing, gill net, and spearfishing. There are at least 23 kinds of snappers in Guam's waters, 11 of which occur in shallow reef waters. A few of these also occur deeper than 330 ft (100 m). The shallow water snappers have large mouths and are aggressive predators of fishes and crustaceans. One kind of snapper, the tagåfi or red snapper, is frequently poisonous when it reaches a large size. Individuals of this species that weigh more than about 9 pounds (4 kg) should not be eaten. The other kinds of snappers are usually safe to eat.
Many species of snappers live in deep water, primarily at depths of about about 500 to 1,200 feet (152 to 366 m). These feed primarily on large planktonic animals such as larval crustaceans and tunicates (a jelly-like animal that feeds on zooplankton filtered from the water), but also eat other fishes and crustaceans.
The funai (blue-lined snapper) lives in a wide variety of reef habitats ranging from shallow inner lagoons to a depth of at least 500 feet (152 m). During the day, it often occurs in large aggregations around ledges and caves. At night it disperses to feed on fishes and bottom dwelling crustaceans.
The kaka'ka' (flametail snapper) lives in lagoon and outer reef areas at depths of 3 to 250 feet (1 to 76 m). It prefers sheltered areas with deep holes or boulders and sometimes enters mangrove areas. It is not as common as the blue-lined snapper, and does not occur in large schools.
The bua (onespot snapper) lives in outer lagoon and seaward reefs from the outer reef flat to a depth of at least 200 feet (60 m). It prefers areas with deep cuts and holes and occurs singly or in small groups.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
