New records of Lutjanids (Snappers), (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) from South East coast of India

Abstract

Lutjanids (snappers) are a group of colorful, perch-like, demersal and important marine commercial fishes. Three species of snappers Etelis coruscans (Visakhapatnam), Lutjanus timoriensis (Kakinada),Macolor niger (Chennai - Kasimedu), are reported for the first time from the respective locations from South-east coast of India. The present study deals with detail description of the species along with illustration. We also confirm the occurrence and establishment of these 3 species (Etelis coruscans, Lutjanus timoriensis, and Macolor niger) in South-east Indian coast and extend the range of the occurrence of these species to Bay of Bengal.