LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus monostigma, 13.6 cm SL (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Lutjanus monostigma (Cuvier, 1828) Onespot Snapper D X, 13-14; A III, 8; P1 16-17; LLp 47-50; GR 7-8 + 11-12. Body moderately deep. Preopercular notch and knob poorly developed. Vomerine tooth patch crescentic, without a medial posterior extension; tongue smooth, without teeth. Caudal fin truncate or slightly emarginate. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Color: generally yellowish to pinkish with dusky scale margins; gray or brown on upper back and dorsal portion of head; a black spot, sometimes faint or absent, on back below anterior soft dorsal-fin rays; fins yellowish. Size: maximum length about 60 cm. Distribution: widespread in the Indo- Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coral reef areas, usually close to shelter in the form of caves, large coral formations, and wreckage. Solitary in habit or occurring in small groups. Feeds mainly on fishes and benthic crustaceans. Flesh sometimes poisonous (ciguatera). Caught mainly by hook and line, traps, and gill nets. (Yukio Iwatsuki)