Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 87 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia.
Description
The spangled emperor is a large reef fish of the family Lethrinidae widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a bronze body with blue spangles on the scales and blue lines on the cheeks, and reaches about 87 cm. It inhabits coral reefs, lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves and sand bottoms; adults live singly or in small schools. The diet consists of echinoderms, molluscs and crustaceans. The species is a highly prized sport and food fish. Larger individuals can carry ciguatera toxin.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue emperor?
The Blue emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Blue speckles on the scales and blue lines on the cheeks; larger specimens can contain ciguatera.
Where does the Blue emperor live?
The Blue emperor lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia.
How big does the Blue emperor get?
The Blue emperor grows to a maximum of about 87 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Blue emperor dangerous to humans?
The Blue emperor is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Harmless to handle. In some areas there are reports of ciguatera poisoning after eating it, especially larger individuals: in case of symptoms such as tingling, nausea, vomiting or a reversed hot-cold sensation, seek medical help and keep any leftover material.
Is the Blue emperor edible?
Yes, the Blue emperor is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Blue emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.