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Blue and Gold Snapper

Pacific Fish ID

Lutjanus viridis

A side profile of a Blue and Gold Snapper (Lutjanus viridis) showing distinct electric blue stripes on a bright yellow body against a blue ocean background. Title Attribute: Blue and Gold Snapper - Pacific Reef Fish

Adult 

Family: Snappers (Lutjanidae)
Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cm
Depth: 3 – 30m (10 – 100ft)
Distribution: Eastern Pacific (Gulf of California to Ecuador, including Galapagos & Malpelo).

Identification:
One of the most photogenic schooling fish in the region.

  • Color: The body is a brilliant bright yellow.
  • Pattern: Five distinctive bluish-white stripes run horizontally along the sides, outlined in thin black borders. These stripes are unmistakable.
  • Shape: A classic snapper shape—slightly elongated and compressed—but smaller than many other snapper species.

Behavior:
Safety in numbers.

  • Schooling: They are almost always found in large, tight schools during the day. They hover near rocky reefs or ledges for protection.
  • Feeding: Like other snappers, they are nocturnal predators that disperse at night to feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish.

You just learned about this fish...

NOW COME SEE IT!

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Behind the Lens

Jalvan

Underwater Photographer & Instructor

Documenting unique marine biodiversity from the Red Sea across the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to creating a visual catalog of Bahia Solano's marine life for conservation and research.

Photography: Sony A7C II | Olympus EPL10
Video: Osmo Action 5 Pro | GoPro

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REFERENCES & DATA SOURCES

  • Scientific ID: Verified via FishBase.
  • Field Guide: Reef Fish Identification: Baja to Panama (Humann & DeLoach).
  • Regional Data: Ankla Azul Marine Observation Log (Bahia Solano).

More Than Kicking Your Fins

At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It's patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano's wild Pacific.