Snappers
Any of about105 species of fishes of the family Lutjanidae (order Perciformes). Snappers are found, often in abundance, throughout the tropics. Active, schooling fishes with elongated bodies, large mouths, sharp canine teeth, and blunt or forked tails, snappers are usually rather large, many attaining a length of 60–90 centimetres (2–3 feet). They are carnivores and prey on crustaceans and other fishes.
The black and white snapper, Macolor niger, is a snapper of the family Lutjanidae found across the Indo Pacific oceans. It is also commonly known as the black snapper, but should not be confused by other snappers with the same common name. The black and white snapper can reach a maximum length of 75cm. Its fins and eyes are black and its body vary in color from light grey to black depending on the age. Juveniles are lighter in color and adults can be almost completely black. The black and white snapper is solitary when juvenile but form large schools as adults.
It feeds on crustaceans and small fishes and inhabits reef walls and outer lagoons. It is sometimes confused with the midnight snapper, Macolor macularis. Black and white snapper are a prized food fish and are caught commercially, as well as recreationally.
The Emperor Snapper, also known as the Sebae Snapper, is vividly marked as a juvenile, with bold red to black stripes on a white body. It is an extremely fast-growing fish, and with age, the striping begins to fade until the fish is an overall reddish-pink color.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary for this hardy and big fish. As a juvenile, it likes to school with other Emperor Snappers, but as an adult, it should be alone in the tank. It may eat ornamental crustaceans in the aquarium.
The Emperor Snapper should be fed once a day with its favorite meaty foods including chopped meats (scallop, shrimp, fish).