Stripey Snapper

Lutjanus carponotatus

The stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus), also known as the Spanish flag snapper, is a species of snapper in the family Lutjanidae. Adults reach up to 40 cm with a distinctive body pattern of golden-yellow horizontal stripes on a silvery to olive background. This species inhabits coral reefs, rocky reefs, and coastal waters at depths of 1-40 meters across the western Pacific, from southern Japan to northern Australia. They are commonly found in schools around reef structures, bommies, and drop-offs. Stripey snappers feed on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are one of the most commonly encountered snappers on Great Barrier Reef dives and are often seen in mixed schools with other snapper species. Their reliable presence and photogenic golden stripes make them a regular highlight of tropical Australian diving.