Hawaii Biological Survey's


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14. Bluestriped Snapper / ta`ape

Scientific name: Lutjanus casmira

Classification: Phylum: Chordata. Class: Pisces

Origin: Introduced

Status: Increasing populations

Distribution:All islands north to Laysan

Sound file: --

Map: --


This fish was introduced from the Marquesas in 1958 as a game fish. It quickly spread throughout our islands and has become a major problem for fishermen and naturalists alike. The fish does not sell well in markets (people think it is an aquarium fish, not a food fish) and it has also reduced populations of many small native fishes upon which it feeds.

   Photo by Jack Randall