Body elongate and compressed, body depth 2.6 in SL. Head relatively short, its length 2.6 in SL. Eye large, its diameter 5.0 in head length. Tooth patch on vomer anchor-shaped and extended posteriorly. Pectoral fin long, its posterior tip reaching to anus when appressed. Caudal fin emarginate. Body red dorsally, silver-white ventrally; 8 longitudinal yellow stripes on side of body; a diffuse black blotch, as large as eye, below anterior soft dorsal fin rays, its lower edge on lateral line; dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins yellow; caudal fin pale red with a marginal dusky line.
Distribution:
From North Carolina to Brazil.
Remarks:
This species is distinguishable from other species of Lutjanus by the following points:12 soft rays in the dorsal fin, 12〜15 gill rakers on the first arch, a tooth patch on the vomer extended posteriorly, and longitudinal yellow stripes on the body.