Similar families occurring in the area
Lutjanidae: teeth usually present on vomer and palatines; cheek always scaly (naked in Lethrinus but scaly
in other genera of Lethrinidae); preopercular edge usually serrate (typically smooth in Lethrinidae); usually
11 or more soft dorsal-fin rays (9 or 10 in Lethrinidae).
Nemipteridae: anal fin with 7 soft rays (except 8 in Nemipterus virgatus); cheek always scaly (naked in
Lethrinus but scaly in other genera of Lethrinidae); no molar-like teeth in jaws (present in some species of
Lethrinidae).