Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian emperor (Lethrinus lentjan) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 52 cm.
Description
The pink ear emperor is an emperor from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 52 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body with a red spot on the edge of the gill cover and reddish fin margins. As a reef predator it searches over sand and rubble bottoms and reefs for molluscs, crustaceans and small fish, which it crushes with strong teeth. It is a valued food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian emperor?
The Australian emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Red blotch on the edge of the operculum; reef predator with strong teeth
Where does the Australian emperor live?
The Australian emperor lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Australian emperor get?
The Australian emperor grows to a maximum of about 52 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Australian emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Australian emperor is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Australian emperor edible?
Yes, the Australian emperor is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinus
More from the family Lethrinidae
Want the complete picture on the Australian emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.