Two adult Mangrove Red Snappers swimming near a reef overhang, showing their deep reddish bodies and horizontal scale rows.

The Crimson Wanderer of the Mangrove Roots

The Crimson Wanderer of the Mangrove Roots

Two adult Mangrove Red Snappers swimming near a reef overhang, showing their deep reddish bodies and horizontal scale rows.
The Reef’s Crimson Guardian: Known in the Maldives as the Odidhoshumas, adult Mangrove Red Snappers migrate from coastal mangroves to deeper reef areas, sometimes reaching depths of 100 meters. Photo: Nigel Marsh / iNaturalist (BY NC)

In the tangled, brackish labyrinths of the Indo-West Pacific, a formidable predator patrols the shadows. The Mangrove Red Snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus)—known in the Maldives as the Odidhoshumas—is a master of adaptation, shifting its kingdom from the coast to the abyss as it matures.

A Tale of Two Colors

The biography of an Odidhoshumas is written in its scales. In their youth, these snappers are the “brown ghosts” of the mangroves and lagoons, sporting a somber hue that vanishes against muddy roots. As they grow, they migrate toward the outer reef, undergoing a striking metamorphosis into a deep reddish or greenish-brown coat with a brilliant white belly. Some individuals even display one or two electric blue lines beneath their eyes, a neon signature of this rugged predator.

Built for the Ambush

A Predator in Transition: In its sub-adult phase, the Mangrove Red Snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) displays greenish-brown or bronze tones. This “drab” coloration is essential camouflage for life in coastal lagoons and around mangrove roots before the fish migrates to the deep reef. Photo: Alexandra Hoschke / iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)

Belonging to the family Lutjanidae, the Mangrove Red Snapper is a powerhouse reaching common lengths of 80 cm, and occasionally a staggering 1.2 meters. It features a muscular, deep body and a crescent-shaped tooth patch on the roof of its mouth—a specialized tool for gripping slippery fish and hard-shelled crustaceans. While adults descend to depths of 100 meters, they remain a prized challenge for nighttime handline fishers.

The Secret of the Scales

To the untrained eye, the Odidhoshumas is easily confused with the Two-spot Red Snapper (L. bohar). However, the key lies in their architecture: the Odidhoshumas possesses horizontal scale rows that only occasionally rise toward the tail, whereas its relative features scales that rise obliquely across the entire body.

Species at a Glance

  • Local Name: Odidhoshumas
  • Scientific Name: Lutjanus argentimaculatus
  • Maximum Size: 1.2 meters
  • Habitat: Juveniles in mangroves; adults in reefs up to 100m
  • Diet: Smaller fishes and crustaceans

References

  • Primary Source: Kuiter, R.H. & Godfrey, T.J. (2014). Fishes of the Maldives: Indian Ocean. 3rd Edition. Atoll Editions.
  • Historical Reference: M.R.S. (1997). Fishes of the Maldives. Marine Research Section, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Republic of Maldives. 408 pp. ISBN 99915-62-12-5.
  • Global Taxonomy: Froese, R. & Pauly, D. (Eds.). (2026). FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.

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