Blueline Snapper

Blueline Snapper: The Vibrant Schooling Predator

The Blueline Snapper (Lutjanus quinquelineatus), also known as the Fiveline Snapper, Five-lined Snapper, or Blue-Striped Snapper, is a visually stunning and robust marine fish. It is characterized by its bright yellow body adorned with five distinctive, narrow, horizontal electric-blue stripes running along its flanks. A prominent round black spot is usually present near the base of the soft dorsal fin, situated above the lateral line.

Native to the Indo-West Pacific, this species inhabits sheltered lagoons and exposed coral reefs. While often found in large, impressive schools as adults in the wild, it is generally kept singly in home aquaria due to its eventual size and aggressive feeding habits. Despite being one of the smaller snappers, the Blueline Snapper can reach a maximum size of 12 to 15 inches (30–38 cm), with a common length around 12 inches.

Due to its high activity level, predatory nature, and potential adult size, a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons is required, with 150+ gallons being highly recommended to provide adequate swimming space and stable water quality. This fish is best suited for experienced hobbyists maintaining a large fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) system.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Blueline Snapper is a dedicated Carnivore and a highly effective, opportunistic predator. In the wild, it feeds mainly on small fish and various crustaceans (shrimp, crabs).
• Feeding: It is typically a very eager and easy fish to feed in captivity and will readily accept a varied diet of non-living, meaty foods. Feed a mix of frozen fare, including chunks of high-quality marine shrimp, squid, silversides, krill, and clam. Offering a high-quality marine pellet or flake may also be accepted and is recommended for a balanced diet. Feed 3-4 times per week as an adult.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Not Reef Safe. While it typically leaves corals alone, it will systematically hunt and consume virtually all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails) and any fish small enough to fit into its mouth, which is surprisingly large.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. It should only be housed with large, fast-moving, and robust tankmates that are too large to be considered prey. Good tankmates include large angelfish, tangs, puffers, and triggerfish. It should be watched carefully with other snappers or similar-shaped fish, as conspecific aggression can occur.
• Aquarium Setup: Requires strong filtration and water movement, along with plenty of live rock for caves and hiding places, even though it will spend most of its time actively swimming. Excellent water quality is critical.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Lutjanus quinquelineatus
• Primary Common Name: Blueline Snapper
• Other Common Names: Fiveline Snapper, Blue-Striped Snapper
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 100+ Gallons (150+ recommended)
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat invertebrates and small fish)