[3] The specific name rivulatus means “marked by irregular streaks” or “scribbled”, a reference to the many wavy blue lines on the head.

[2] This species has an overall colour of brown with reddish hue[6] and contrasting vivid yellow outer dorsal, anal and caudal fins.

[1] In Australian waters this species is found from Port Hedland and the offshore reefs in Western Australia, the Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea and eastwards and southwards to northern New South Wales, it is also found in the Coral Sea and at Christmas Island.

[1] Lutjanus rivulatus is considered to be an excellent fish for eating,[7] although the consumption of its flesh has been linked to cases of ciguatera.

[2] It is an important species for artisanal fisheries throughout its range and is caught using handlines, traps and gillnets, it is infrequently trawled.